Footballers urged to step up for Theo

By Lynne Bradshaw

Published: 30 July, 2010

A CALL has gone out to Ross-shire footballers to enter teams for a special match organised in memory of an infant who passed away a year ago.

Theo Ross from Invergordon was born with a brain tumour in Raigmore Hospital on August 13 last year and died two days later.

His mother Lorna is now supporting her cousin Karina MacFarquhar in her attempt to organise the Theo Ross Memorial Match in aid of the hospital's special care baby unit.

Karina told the Journal the unit gave excellent care to Theo and invaluable support to Lorna and her family.

She is hopeful the event - to be held on the first anniversary of Theo's death on August 15 - will reach its £1,000 target, but is still on the look out for five-a-side teams to take part.

The 24-year-old explained that teams must have five players and up to three subs.

She is hoping at least eight teams will enter the event to be held at the recreational grounds in Invergordon from 10am, but says "the more, the merrier". Six teams have already confirmed and each one has to pay a £30 entry fee.

Karina, who is very close to Lorna, has organised the whole day tournament and there are plans to make it an annual event.

"I hope to raise £1,000 and we are pretty much on track to get that," she said.

Referring to the care Theo received at SCBU, Karina said, "We could not ask for anything better from them. We are quite a big family and they were quite accommodating, letting us have the chance to meet Theo.

Karina MacFarquhar (left) and Lorna Ross with a signed Ross County football which will be raffled at the Baby Theo Memorial Football Match. Ian Rhind 01349 877218

"They were very supportive, spoke to everybody and helped us come to terms with things."

She has already received donations and raffle prizes from local businesses and individuals, including a signed Ross County top and football, beauty items and an iPod.

Karina, who is a recruitment specialist for Global, said her work had been very supportive and they were putting teams together.

Family members will also be playing in the match.

Evanton firm Isleburn, which is part of the Global group, has donated a shield to be presented to the winning side, as well as individuals trophies for the members of the triumphant team and the runners up.

She said the wider family have already donated thousands of pounds to SCBU over the year, including a collection at Theo's funeral.

Anyone wishing to enter a team should contact Karina on 07745 534559.

Donations to the raffle prizes or the fund itself are also greatly appreciated.

l.bradshaw@rsjournal.co.uk