CELTIC FC Foundation’s inaugural ‘Zip Slide in Paradise’ event took place at Celtic Park on Saturday and it was a huge success. Funds are still being collected but, to date, a magnificent net total in the region of £30,000 has already been raised.

Despite the heavy rain and gale force winds, around 170 participants played their part on the day, ‘sliding’ from the upper tier of the Jock Stein stand and enjoying the exhilarating ride all the way across to the lower tier of the Lisbon Lions Stand, taking in the glorious sight of the hallowed turf below.

With each participant bringing along their own band of supporters, they collectively created a wonderful, feel-good atmosphere. It really was a genuine example of ‘Football for Good’ in honour of the charitable principles of our football club.

The participants included supporters – and not just of Celtic – from near and far, with some travelling from areas such as Benbecula, Alness, Inverness, Aberdeen, Crieff, Fort William, Oban, Lancashire, North and South Shields, Cumbria and Liverpool.

Celtic FC Foundation and our own Supporters’ Committee were also represented with two Foundation staff and three members of the Committee – Paul Brennan, Brian Gilmour and Iain McGovern – taking part.

They were joined by three Ghirls flying the flag for the first-team squad – Lisa Hague, Vikki Burns and Linzi McCartney – and an inspirational supporter, Damian Gillan, who was our only wheelchair participant on the day.

Special thanks must go to a group of volunteers who gave up their time on a wet and windy Saturday to support Celtic FC Foundation and our participants – Mark Cameron, Davie McLaughlin, Jackie Smith and Maria Oakes.

Celtic FC Foundation’s four priorities are to improve Health, promote Equality, encourage Learning and tackle Poverty.  The net proceeds of this event will assist development of our work providing opportunities for local disadvantaged children and young people to take part in positive, healthy activities.

Tony Hamilton, CEO of Celtic FC Foundation said: “This was a major event in our 2015 fundraising calendar and I’m exceptionally proud of the efforts of our supporters and the outstanding funds they have raised.

“It wasn’t an activity for the feint hearted, especially given the weather conditions, and I take my hat off to every man, woman and child who made the leap!

“The monies raised will support our work with disadvantaged children and young people, an area which is at the very core of what we do and our supporters should never underestimate the huge difference they make.”

To register your interest in future Foundation events, please call 0141 551 4321 or email[email protected]