Ang aims to hit the heights in memory of Uncle

Mar 17 2010 by Andrew Weston, Wishaw Press

George McGowan

THE niece of a former Motherwell and Wishaw Juniors footballer who passed away last year is to honour his memory by taking part in the Grand Canyon Trek.

Netherton-born George McGowan died suddenly of a heart attack in November last year after a colourful and decorated career in football.

He began his career at Wishaw Juniors then joined Motherwell’s youth set-up in his early teens.

High-flying English Division One side Preston pounced to secure his services aged just 16 and George went on to play for Chester, Stockport County and Bangor before becoming a familiar face at Wrexham, working with their youth teams until his passing aged 65.

As a man who devoted a lot of time to raising money for local charities, niece Angela Worgan, 33, felt taking on the challenge of the Grand Canyon Trek for good causes would be a fitting way to honour him and carry on his work.

“It is still a bit of a shock for all of us that he has passed away because he was so fit,” Angela said this week.

“He was a really happy person, with such a great sense of humour and was still obviously really dedicated to his football.

“You just try and focus your energy into something else and I thought this would be such a worthwhile cause.

“He was very supportive of local charities, so I have chosen Marie Curie Cancer Care in his memory.”

Before she takes part in next year’s trek, Angela plans to raise charitable funds by climbing some of the highest peaks in the UK.

Earlier this month she climbed, Pen y Fan, the highest peak in South Wales, and next on the list is Cadair Idris and Snowdon, before she heads north to take on Ben Nevis.

Beginning on May 21 next year, the Grand Canyon Trek will see Angela hike about 20km a day for five days with three days spent camping out on an Indian reservation.

Eventually the group will descend on Las Vegas for a well-earned celebration.

Angela said: “When my friend Helen and I climbed Pen y Fan, we found it really hard.

“We didn’t know what to expect but it was a great achievement when we got to the top and we really enjoyed it.”

Angela aims to raise £3,500 for Marie Curie and has already received some very generous donations.

If you would like to help raise funds for this worthwhile cause in memory of George, then go to Angela’s Fundraising Page at http://original.justgiving.com/angelaworgan.