Ibrox fans raise £23,110.32 in memory of Fernando

Record-breaking total raised in memory of Fernando.

We are thrilled to announce that our collection at Ibrox, on Saturday 28^th September, has raised a massive £23,110.32 – one of the biggest amounts ever raised through a bucket collection at Ibrox.

MND Scotland and the Rangers Charity Foundation teamed up to raise funds on match day, as Rangers took on Aberdeen in the Scottish Premiership, in memory of the late Fernando Ricksen.

The ex-Rangers player publically revealed his diagnosis of Motor Neurone Disease (MND) in October 2013 and has since played a vital role in raising awareness of the illness across Scotland and beyond – particularly through his documentary ‘Fernando Ricksen – The Final Battle’.

Countless tributes were laid outside Ibrox by fans in the days following Fernando’s death and supporters paid their respects as Fernando’s funeral cortege passed Ibrox 8 days later.

Fans took the opportunity to support the charity, in Fernando’s memory, at the first Rangers game following his funeral.

Iain McWhirter, Head of Fundraising at MND Scotland, said: “We have been blown away by the generosity of fans, following the tragic death of Fernando Ricksen.

“Our match day collection at Ibrox raised a massive £23,110.32. That’s the biggest fundraising total from a bucket collection in the charity’s 38-year history.

“I’d like to thank the Rangers Charity Foundation for giving us this opportunity to work together to add to Fernando’s legacy and I’d like to thank the army of over 100 volunteers who helped raise money outside the stadium, on the concourse, and at the turnstiles on match day.

“Fernando showed us, as with Celtic’s Jimmy Johnstone or rugby’s Doddie Weir, that Motor Neurone Disease can affect anyone at any point in their lives. That’s why it’s so important for us to be able to fund research into a cure for MND, so that nobody has to go through this devastating illness ever again.

“For anyone wishing to add to our total, you can text CUREMND to 70660 to donate £5, or you can donate at the bottom of this web page.”

Conal Cochrane, Director of the Rangers Charity Foundation, said: “It’s incredible to hear that MND Scotland’s can collection at Ibrox has raised such an impressive total, which will add to Fernando’s legacy whilst helping to tackle this cruel illness. 

“Although it’s the tragedy of Fernando’s passing which brought the two charities together for this special collection, it is heartening to witness once again that the giving spirit of our fans knows no bounds. 

“I would like to thank everyone for their generosity, including the many volunteers from the Rangers Family and beyond, who gave up their own time to support.”