Old Firm fans unite to help sick boy from North Kessock
Register for free to read more of the latest local news. It's easy and will only take a moment.
Inverness football fans are to set their rivalries aside for a charity fundraiser
A father and son moved by the plight of a terminally-ill six-year-old are looking to raise thousands of pounds by uniting Celtic and Rangers supporters.
Reece Mitchell, since being diagnosed a year ago with the rare neural disorder Batten’s disease, has lost his eyesight and ability to walk.
The heart-rending condition, with a life expectancy of six to 12 years, brings dementia, seizures and feeding difficulties.
Tony MacIvor, a local taxi driver and tour company owner, has known Reece’s mum Donna for years, but was moved to act after driving her to Rachel House Children’s Hospice in Kinross on Monday last week (19th Aug).
Reece’s last years could be made infinitely more comfortable with a special wheelchair and bed.
Mr MacIvor (55), of Old Perth Road, acted quickly to drum up support for a fundraiser among friends and local businesses.
From 11.30 am on Sunday at Smithton Hotel, locals with split Old Firm allegiances will congregate for the televised derby match and compete in an open pool contest.
Oldest son Tony (27), a store manager, has rallied Rangers fans while Tony senior - who founded Highland Hoops supporters’ club in 2008 - has roused Celts.
With a £5,000 target, pledges and donations are already running into hundreds of pounds.
The Smithton Hotel has donated barbecue catering for sale, free of charge. Other businesses on board include Michael Brandon Landscaping, D and E Coaches, MacLeod Roofing, Cafe One, The Beaufort Hotel, Rocpool restaurant and Highland Industrial Supplies.
“Donna spoke about Reece’s condition and how he desperately needed the new equipment, but wasn’t getting funding,” Mr MacIvor said. “She is struggling with the old, heavy buggy she has. The poor lad is blind and needs constantly lifted.
“We just want to bring him a little comfort in the time he has left. Everybody is rallying around. It has been phenomenal.”
The fundraiser will be a family day, with Rab Mulheron, the local comedian and football personality, acting as compere.
“Old Firm supporters can get a bad press and we want to show they can rally together and do something really positive,” Mr MacIvor added.
Mrs Mitchell is touched by the support.
"It’s wonderful that at times like this everyone pulls together to help," she said. "Our lives have changed dramatically due to Reece’s diagnosis. I have had to give up work and equipment is so very expensive to buy. It is incredible what Tony is doing."
