Ashton wanted to be a Battle of the Badges mascot as he has been a patient at the Royal Aberdeen Children's Hospital for many years.  Ashton was diagnosed with heart failure in RACH and was flown by air ambulance to Yorkhill Children's Hospital, Royal Aberdeen Children's Hospital and Newcastle to await a heart transplant before going on to get a mechanical heart.  Ashton has spent three Christmas's in hospital and was in isolation all of December to prevent him from catching an infection.  Ashton was discharged on Christmas Eve. 

Ashton has been paired with Cameron who is a Police Constable at the Manor Park Police Station.  Cameron is a keen footballer and is looking forward to playing in the Battle of the Badges.  He is especially looking forward to having Ashton cheer him on and walk him out onto the pitch on the day.