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HEADLINE: Star-studded charity match to raise awareness of potentially-fatal illness
Former St Mirren star Scott Walker has organised a charity football match to raise awareness of an illness that almost killed his son.
The Scotland Seniors star was distraught when he learned the teenager had been seriously ill in hospital with life-threatening sepsis.
Their response was to set up a game between current and former teammates, which will take place at Stenhousemuir’s Ochilview Park on October 27, in aid of Forth Valley Royal Hospital and Sepsis Research (FEAT).
The all-star squad will take on Scotland Seniors, a team made up of mainly ex-professional and semi-professional footballers aged 38 and over who take part in the annual Seniors World Cup in Thailand and they will pay against an all ex pro Scott Walker select team.
Scott said: “My son almost died after being diagnosed with the potentially fatal blood condition sepsis. His life was saved by the quick actions and outstanding expertise of doctors and nurses at Forth Valley Royal Hospital.
“I decided the best way to express my gratitude and raise much-needed funds for both Sepsis Research (FEAT) and the hospital, was to call on the help of the many friends I’ve made in football.
"I’m really looking forward to a fun, family afternoon and I’m enormously grateful to so many people for pulling together for such a fantastic cause."
An estimated 37,000 people in the UK die from sepsis every year - more than breast, bowel and prostate cancer combined.
It occurs when the body is overwhelmed by infection, which can lead to organ failure and death.
The free Sepsis Soccer Aid event begins at 12pm and is being sponsored by Scott’s pain management and therapy business and David Johnstone of Your Equipment Solutions.
Family activities on the day will include a fire engine, beat the goalie competition and home baking. There will also be a raffle, which will include several high-value prizes and a car wash, subject to weather.
Everyone is welcome and please share!!
For more information email visit www.facebook.com/pg/ScotlandSeniors/events/
Here are the players I have in my select team.
Ludo Roy
Roddy McKenzie
Barry McLaughlin
Tommy Turner
Gary Locke
Hugh Murray
Junior Mendes
Ryan Stevenson
Chris Aitken
Jose Quitongo
James Grady
Allan McManus
Danny Granger
Gerry Britton
Jason Dair
Lee Dair
Scott Thomson
Danny Lennon
Ian Ross
Gary Wales
Bryan Prunty