Hearts to hold annual MND Scotland Day Sunday 7th May

Prior to the 2.15pm kick-off, which will be broadcast live on Sky Sports, both sides will wear special MND Scotland t-shirts during the warm-up. Hearts’ warm-up shirts will feature the number 26 in honour of former Cup winning captain Marius Zaliukas whilst Celtic legend Jimmy Johnstone will be remembered with the number 7 on the Glasgow side’s t-shirts. A selection of shirts will be signed and auctioned off with all proceeds going to MND Scotland.

Both men lost their lives to motor neuron disease and Sunday’s match aims to raise awareness around this devastating illness and raise vital funds that will help MND Scotland continue to provide people living with MND with vital services which many rely on, as well as to fund pioneering research that is taking us closer to a cure.

MND is a rapidly progressing terminal illness, which stops signals from the brain reaching the muscles. This can cause someone to lose the ability to walk, talk, swallow or breathe unaided and the average life expectancy is just 18 months from diagnosis.

Sunday’s match will act as Hearts’ annual MND Scotland Day with bucket collectors located outside home and away turnstiles prior to kick-off, as well as fundraiser Gregor Miller being welcomed onto the pitch at half-time as he completes his 51-mile fundraising run from Glasgow to Tynecastle.

MND Scotland Chief Executive, Rachel Maitland said: “We cannot thank both Hearts’ and Celtic enough for their combined support this Sunday.

“To have both teams be so actively involved with MND Scotland Day is an amazingly positive result and we feel extremely fortunate to be connected to such passionate and engaged communities. 

“We would like to send a special thank you to the amazing Hearts and Celtic supporters for championing people affected by MND and making MND Scotland Day another huge success.” 

If they are able to do so, supporters are encouraged to bring change to give to bucket collectors on the day. Alternatively, you can help to make time count for people across Scotland affected by MND online by making a donation here.