AS a fundraising and tribute match takes place at Ibrox Stadium this Sunday, Celtic FC Foundation, the charitable arm of Celtic Football Club, today announced that it is to make a £10,000 donation in support of Fernando Ricksen, his family and Motor Neurone Disease Association Scotland.

The match takes place following the sad announcement in 2013 that Fernando Ricksen had been diagnosed with Motor Neurone Disease.  

Celtic Chief Executive Peter Lawwell said: “We are pleased to be able to make a donation which will assist both Fernando’s family and MND Scotland.  

“At Celtic, unfortunately we are all too familiar with MND and its devastating effects. Jimmy Johnstone, the man voted Celtic’s greatest ever player, fought bravely against this illness as did former player John Cushley, someone who gave so many years’ service to the Club.

“Through Celtic FC Foundation and our wider charitable work, we are also in contact with a number of supporters who are facing this disease. We have had a long association with charities which work to tackle MND and through this event we are pleased to be able to offer our support again.  

“We would like also to take this opportunity to send our thoughts and best wishes to Fernando and his family.”

Tony Hamilton, Chief Executive of Celtic FC Foundation, added: “Celtic FC Foundation aims to make a positive difference in areas of Health, Equality, Learning and Poverty whenever and wherever we can be of assistance. 

“Celtic has been a club for all people since its formation and an inherent charitable dimension is something which has characterised our Club from day one.  

“We are delighted that today this ethos remains as strong as ever, with the Foundation raising and distributing over £10million in recent years and thousands of people receiving support through local, national and international initiatives.   

“With Health being one of our key areas of activity, we are delighted to make this donation in relation to Sunday’s match.”