MND Scotland has scored a new home at Old Trafford, thanks to Chivas Brothers.

As Manchester United gears up to host its first game back at Old Trafford on Wednesday against Sheffield United, Chivas, which is Manchester United’s Official Spirits Partner, has announced it will be donating its pitch-side advertising space to support MND Scotland.

The pitch perimeter digiboards – that would usually promote the world-famous whisky – will instead feature MND Scotland’s logo and text to donate number, helping the charity reach a vast audience at a time when Covid-19 has severely impacted fundraising.

Iain McWhirter, Head of Fundraising at MND Scotland, said: “It’s such an incredible gesture for Chivas to donate this platform, which offers exposure and potential donations from a global audience, to MND Scotland.

“People with MND are already under attack from a devastating terminal illness, which threatens their freedom and security; emotionally, physically and financially. With the outbreak of Coronavirus, these same people are now under threat from a second disease.

“We’ve been working hard to refocus our services to offer the maximum level of support to families affected by MND across Scotland, and this boost from Chivas will help generate the kind of awareness and funds to make that vital work possible.  

“Everyone dreams of getting onto the pitch at Old Trafford; we’ll use our chance to help relegate this disease to history.”

Scotch whisky Chivas’ parent company, Chivas Brothers, announced in January that MND Scotland had been selected by employees as their Charity of the Year. Due to the pandemic’s impact on planned fundraising efforts, the company donated an additional £26,000 at the start of the outbreak to reach their £50,000 target early and extended the partnership to the end of 2021. The pitch-side sponsorship space donation is the latest phase of the company’s ongoing support.

Manchester United will face Sheffield United on Wednesday 24th June from 6pm on Sky Sports Main Event HD and Sky Sports Premiere League HD.

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MND Scotland is the leading Scottish charity providing care and support to people affected by Motor Neurone Disease, as well as funding research into finding a cure. We deliver a number of vital services for people affected by MND in Scotland, including: Grants, Counselling, Benefits Advice and Advocacy. We also invest millions of pounds into ground-breaking MND research in Scotland and across the UK.

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