Fighting for our Families fundraising effort far outweighs expectations

GLASGOW, SCOTLAND - JUNE 18: Ollie Smith and Ally Miller are pictured alongside Ava (10) and the Scottish-Italian shield as Glasgow Warriors visit the Glasgow Childrens Hospital, on June 18, 2024, in Glasgow, Scotland. (Photo by Ross MacDonald / SNS Group)

Over the past ten months Glasgow Warriors, alongside supporters, grassroots rugby clubs, and sponsors – notably Leidos and their backing of our Plaster It Purple event – have raised a grand total of £53,971 for the Glasgow Children’s Hospital Charity. Exceeding the original fundraising target by 215%.

This week, Glasgow Warriors players Ally Miller and Ollie Smith visited the hospital to hand over the cheque to the charity’s Head of Partnerships William McGowan, and patients Charlie, 13, and Ava, 10.

Shields for Good

The players also took the opportunity to present the Scottish x Italian Shield. The club won the shield on behalf of the charity, part of the URC’s Shields for Good initiative.

The shield is now on display at the Glasgow Children’s Hospital Charity Fundraising Hub. The hub is at the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital. The silverware is on display there from now until Monday 1 July.

Glasgow Warriors’ Managing Director, Al Kellock, said: “Thank you to all those who have donated to our Fighting for our Families campaign this season. Your unwavering support has exceeded our expectations, more than doubling any of our previous fundraising efforts.

“We are proud of this campaign and look forward to making it even bigger and better in the coming year. It is our pleasure to support one of Glasgow’s most recognised charities. We are extremely grateful for every contribution made.”

Pride of Place

Glasgow Children’s Hospital Charity’s Head of Partnerships & Business Development, William McGowan, said: “Our young patients were delighted to meet Ally and Ollie in hospital this week and to hold the shield that was won on their behalf.

“The shield now takes pride of place in our fundraising hub for all our hospital families to see. We are extremely grateful to the Glasgow Warriors for their continued support. We look forward to building on the success of their Fighting for our Families fundraising campaign next season.”

Ally Miller said: “At this time of year many of the children being looked after in the hospital may be missing out on big summer events at school. It’s a privilege to meet them and give them something to remember. It was great seeing them have holding the shield we won for them.”