Rangers fans raise thousands in memory of five boys who lost their lives in Ibrox Disaster

Members of Coatbridge supporters’ groups cycled from Markinch, in Fife, to the Light Blues’ Govan home on Saturday to raise money for the The Founders Trail grave restoration fund. 

The 72-mile trek began at the village’s memorial – erected in memory of Peter Easton, 13, Bryan Todd, 14, Ronald Paton, 14, Mason Philip, 14, and Douglas Morrison, 15 – and saw supporters net more than £5000, smashing their original target of £1000. The funeral procession for three of the Markinch boys

READ MORE: Rangers fans saddle up for cycle in memory of five boys who lost their lives in Ibrox Disaster

Davie Campbell, one of the organisers, said: “It went really well and started with laying a wreath in Markinch at the plaque, which was attended by two of the boys – Peter Lee and Shane Fenton – who were friends of the five. 

“There was also members from the Glenrothes Rangers Supporters Club and some girlfriends and wives to see us off.

“The cycle went well up until Kenny [Clark] got a broken chain. But we had people following us in a van and a car and they were able to pick him up, fix it, and he joined us again at the Falkirk Wheel. 

James Tavernier was among those to donate to the fundraiser

“The weather was just horrendous and the conditions were really difficult.

“But it was a great day and it was all worthwhile. We were able to raise some money for the grave restoration fund which was really important.” 

He added: “The legs were fine but everybody’s backsides were killing them.”

All of the cash - which included a donation from Light Blues captain James Tavernier - will go towards restoring the graves of the founders of Rangers as well as former players of the Ibrox club. 

“We have raised over £5000 and have had such a fantastic response from everyone,” Davie, 55, said. “It was a poignant way to start and I also said a little bit, maybe just like 20 lines or so, about why we were doing it.

“Raising the money for them makes it all worth it. The last year has obviously been tough for them so this is hopefully a bit of a God send.

“We have spoken about making this an annual thing and even about getting out on the bikes more often as a way to keep fit.” 

Iain McColl, co-director of the Founders Trail, said: “This money has been a God send for us. Like many over the last 12 months, our funding has several dried up. The effort from the guys was unbelievable. 

The Gers fans laid a wreath at the Markinch memorial

“It’s really important we ensure these guys are not forgotten. There’s something about the Markinch boys which was just so horrific.” 

A total of 66 people lost their lives in the Ibrox Disaster of 1971 during a crush on Stairway 13 in the final moments of a January 2 Old Firm clash.