Derby day Alness youngster scores for sick kids
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AN Alness lad with "a heart of gold" took part in a Highland derby before secretly rustling up a welcome £300 boost for seriously sick kids while standing in as a cloakroom attendant.
Ruaridh Campbell (9). a pupil at Bridgend Primary, had been appearing for a Ross County junior team against counterparts representing Inverness Caledonian Thistle during half-time at the big derby clash in the Highland capital to promote the Sneckie Insomnia Indoor Football Festival.
Ruaridh raised the money in support of the all-night football fundraiser taking place in Inverness next month for Children’s Hospices Across Scotland (Chas).
He collected the cash at the city’s Ironworks just hours after appearing for the Ross County junior team in front of a 4500-strong crowd.
His mother Caroline is the venue director at the Ironworks and had no idea he collected £306 in a bucket while helping in the cloakroom at the club. It was only afterwards the youngster confessed what he had been up to.
“He often comes in and helps out in the cloakroom and will be offered a tip but he has been told he is not allowed,” said Mrs Campbell, who was proud of her son. “He has a heart of a gold.”
His innovative talent for fundraising impressed the Inverness Business Fives Group which is organising the football festival for a second year running at the Inverness Leisure on January 19.
Last year’s overnight football festival raised £17,500.
Youth teams (up to 17 years) will kick off the carnival and compete until 8pm when adult teams will take over, playing in relays.
