Poppy appeal support at lanarkshire derby match

Nov 4 2009 by Andrew Weston, Wishaw Press

MOTHERWELL and Hamilton Football Clubs are putting rivalry aside to support the 2009 Scottish Poppy Appeal.

For players from both teams will wear poppies on their shirts during the Lanarkshire derby on Saturday.

Team captains Stephen Craigan and James McArthur were joined by veterans as they launched the poppy shirts at Hamilton’s Garden of Remembrance yesterday, Tuesday. Poppyscotland, the organisation behind the appeal, hope that the support of the SPL teams will help to raise awareness of the appeal, which raises vital funds for veterans and their families, a number of whom suffer from physical, psychological or financial problems. Š

Ian McGregor, chief executive of Poppyscotland, said: “We are delighted that Hamilton and Motherwell are supporting the Scottish Poppy Appeal by wearing the famous poppy emblem during play this weekend. With many veterans returning from active service suffering from multiple and complex issues, Poppyscotland need to raise money to provide vital support all year round.”

He added: “We are proud to be working with all twelve SPL clubs to raise awareness and I hope that Hamilton and Motherwell fans will support the Scottish Poppy Appeal.”