Former Arsenal youngster's life to be celebrated with charity match
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FIVE months on, it is still raw. It probably will be for as long as they live.
But for the MacDonald family, tomorrow presents an opportunity to banish the sadness James’ passing brought and celebrate his life.
A day of fundraising activities, centred around a charity football match, will provide valuable funds to the oncology ward at Raigmore Hospital, who looked after ex-Arsenal youngster James in his battle against cancer.
His brother Jordan, player-manager of local junior side Inverness City, will be the main man on the field at Farr tomorrow, but family and friends from across the globe will be flying in to be part of a fitting tribute.
A prodigy as a teenage footballer, James spent his fledgling days playing for Rangers and also had a spell at Crystal Palace.
However, his dream came true at the age of 15 when, under then manager George Graham, Arsenal came calling.
He progressed into the reserve team at Arsenal but two cruciate ligament injuries, coupled with two managerial changes, saw his professional career fade before it had even taken off.
He returned home to Inverness, got a job and got on with life. Joining forces with his father, James snr, as a bricklayer provided him with an income and helped support his young family.
He was working for energy giant SSE when, in February last year, he fell ill.
To-ing and fro-ing from hospitals in Inverness and Aberdeen finally led James to being diagnosed with Pericardial Mesothelioma, a rare form of heart cancer where microscopic asbestos fibres reach the body’s central organ.
He fought on until the end, wanting to keep life as normal as possible for his wife Kerry and children James jnr and Drew. However, the sad conclusion came in January this year, as James passed away at the age of just 36.
His brother accepts that the pain of his absence will probably never leave them but with something as simple as people gathering together, the light he brought to the world can shine again.
“It’s still raw,” said Jordan. “That feeling will probably never go away but that’s something we’ll just have to deal with.
“Tomorrow is for other people – for family and friends and for people who might be able to get some benefit out of it.
“We wouldn’t wish this on anyone but if we can give comfort to someone in a similar situation, then that’s a crumb of comfort to us.”
James’ widow Kerry has spearheaded the fundraising efforts, setting £3200 as the initial target. Such a sum would pay for two sleeper beds for the oncology ward at Raigmore, allowing loved ones to stay overnight with friends or relatives, much like Kerry did for James.
As of yesterday, that marker had been eclipsed. Obliterated, in fact.
The justgiving page set up to raise money for the day, which also includes a raffle and disco, was approaching £7500. Tomorrow’s game will top that off nicely.
“We felt like we wanted to do it and it lets the hospital get what they want,” said MacDonald. “It’s all for a good cause and we’re expecting a great turnout.
“I’ve got about 50 guys signed up for the football and amazingly, no-one has said they can’t play.
“There’s a few boys I’ve played football with for years, some of the Inverness City lads and a lot of my brother’s friends. It’s going to be a real family day.”
The game will be split into three 30-minute sections, allowing some of the more seasoned legs chance a run-out. But just because there is a good cause behind the match, does not dampen MacDonald’s will to win.
“There’ll definitely be an edge to the game, but my brother wouldn’t have it any other way,” he said.
“There’s a trophy to play for and it’ll probably be the only one I get my hands on this year!”
- The match kicks-off at 1.30pm tomorrow at Farr pitches, Inverarnie Park. To donate please visit https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/KERRY-MACDONALD3.
