Glasgow Warriors and Children’s Hospital thank fundraising clubs

Pre-season at Scotstoun Stadium is intensifying as preparations for the 2024/25 season continue for the BKT United Rugby Championship defending champions.

Amongst the full-on training days, Glasgow Warriors back-row forwards Ally Miller and Jonny Morris took time out to celebrate another of the 2023/24 season’s successes.

The players, along with Head Coach Franco Smith, Managing Director Al Kellock, the Glasgow Children’s Hospital Charity, and Leidos -the title sponsor of the annual Plaster It Purple match day- hosted the five rugby clubs that raised money for the Fighting for our Families campaign at the Glasgow Children’s Hospital cinema in Govan.

The clubs heard about how the campaign came about and the benefits their fundraising has made. During the evening, they each received a thank you gift for their fundraising efforts.

Between them, Ardrossan Accies, Cambuslang, GHK, Strathaven, and Strathclyde University Women’s Rugby team raised more than £15,000. This contributed towards the campaign total of £53,971.

Doubling our efforts

Jane Rank from GHK (pictured with her family in the feature image), said: “Friday was a special evening. It’s humbling to see how the money we raised has improved the quality of life of these children and their families. Our son is just one of the thousands of patients that regularly attends the Children’s Hospital. We see first-hand the impact this charity makes.

“When I first saw the advert for Plaster it Purple, I knew I needed to get our club involved. Tying in our fundraiser with our minis tournament was the perfect opportunity. Seeing the impact the fundraising has had has made the decision to join again next year a no brainier. We hope that GHK will be able to double the amount raised this year.”

Kimberley Guffie from Ardrossan Accies (pictured below), said: “It was an privilege to be invited to the children’s hospital on Friday. To see first hand where the money we fundraised went and the difference it has made to so many families. That opened our eyes to the difference we can make supporting such a great charity.

“Taking up the Fighting for our Families challenge last season was so much fun. Thank you to Glasgow Warriors and The Glasgow Children’s Hospital Charity for allowing us to be part of such a tremendous event.

“The Fighting for our Families campaign allowed us to raise a wonderful target and to unite and strengthen our club values of Respect, Commitment, Enjoyment and Passion. We look forward to taking part again this season and have already started planning our own fundraisers.

“We’re excited to see lots more clubs getting involved too.”

Exceeding Expectations

Glasgow Warriors Managing Director, Al Kellock, said: “Involving rugby clubs from across our region in our fundraising efforts has helped us deepen our connection with our community.

“Ardrossan, Cambuslang, GHK, Strathaven and Strathclyde all had personal stories from the charity to share, and their desire to support our campaign quickly exceeded our expectations. They have set a high bar for future fundraising.

“Our brilliant clubs are instrumental to this campaign. The more rugby clubs we have joining them the more impact we can have. Together we can make a significant difference for the people and families supported by the children’s hospital.”