Former Celtic and Scotland stars are lacing up their boots for a 150-mile charity walk this weekend – and the route will bring them through Renfrewshire as they visit St Mirren Stadium on their way to Edinburgh.
The Scottish March of the Day challenge, taking place from 10th to 12th October, will see ex-players and supporters walk from Motherwell’s Fir Park to Murrayfield Stadium, stopping at 21 football grounds, including St Mirren Park in Paisley.
The three-day event aims to raise £50,000 for MND research in support of the My Name’5 Doddie Foundation and the Darby Rimmer MND Foundation.
Among those taking part are former Scotland internationals Andy Walker and John McGinlay, who will join a 32-strong team inspired by former professionals Marcus Stewart, Stephen Darby, and the late rugby legend Doddie Weir.
A central figure on the walk is Martin Johnston, a former Cove Rangers, Peterhead, Brechin City and Elgin City player who was diagnosed with MND seven years ago.
The walk will kick off at Fir Park in Motherwell with a civic send-off and pipe band before the group makes its way to clubs including:
- Hampden Park
- Ibrox
- Celtic Park
- St Mirren Park
- Falkirk
- Hibernian
- Hearts
The challenge will end at Murrayfield’s Oor Doddie statue on 12th October.
The event is backed by PFA Scotland, Portal Security, and the SPFL Trust, with help from over 40 companies and a network of fans and community groups.
Stephen Darby, co-founder of the Darby Rimmer MND Foundation, said the challenge had already drawn “overwhelming support”.
“When those of us living with MND see people walking, fundraising and standing with us, it gives us strength to keep fighting. Together, we can make a real impact – and hopefully one day find a cure.”
Paul Thompson, Director of Fundraising at the My Name’5 Doddie Foundation, added: “It’s a powerful way to shine a spotlight on MND and the urgent need for new treatments. Every step brings us closer to a world free of MND.”
The fundraising team includes former pros Nathan Clarke, Filipe Morais, Stuart Barlow and several of Johnston’s ex-teammates, alongside supporters and volunteers.
Community trusts and clubs including Motherwell, Cove Rangers, Aberdeen, Montrose, Spartans and Ross County are also backing the effort as the walkers make their way across the country.
March of the Day organiser Redwood Events has already raised more than £1.6 million for good causes through sporting challenges over the past 17 years.
The walk will conclude at Murrayfield on Saturday 12th October, where families, fans and teammates will gather at the finish line to celebrate those taking part and remember the sporting figures who inspired the campaign.
Donations can be made at: https://donate.giveasyoulive.com/fundraising/smotd-core-team. If you would like more information, visit: www.redwoodevents.co.uk/smotd.
Headline photo: Martin Johnston, Andy Walker and Doddie Weir