Two players from Scotland’s National Amputee football team are embarking on a 26-mile run to raise funds to send their team to the European Championships.
On May 4, Scotland goalkeeper Stephen Tully, an arm amputee, and leg amputee left-back Rob Wilson, will start their challenge from Motherwell FC’s Fir Park.
They will run through Hamilton Accies, Celtic Park, Firhill and Ibrox before finally reaching Hampden Park for the last lap of the pitch.
Mr Wilson said: "Everyone dreams of putting on the national jersey and representing their country but so few ever get the chance to do so.
"The honour is huge and we intend to do our nation proud.
“We’re under no illusions as to the fundraising challenge we’ve set ourselves – it’s not only the fitness required for the distance, but the difficulties that come with running on a prosthetic are challenging too.
"We hope that people will get behind us both in donating and coming out to support us as we stop off at these football clubs in a bid to get the team to France."
The National Amputee squad is a part of the Amputee Football Association Scotland, established in 2017 to promote the sport in Scotland.
The Scotland squad secured a place at the Euros in France, marking the first time the team has qualified for the Amputee Football European Championships.
While the charity receives financial support from Scottish Para-Football, the team needs to raise a further £20,000 to get them to France.
Ashley Pedersen, chief executive officer of Scottish Para-Football and founder of Amputee Football Association Scotland, acknowledged the rapid growth of Para-football in Scotland.
She said: “Inevitably, with multiple disciplines of para-football now partaking in regular international tournaments, it poses significant costs and we’re hopeful that the generous public will help us meet those costs.”
The game is played in over 30 countries worldwide. It comprises seven-a-side teams, with players manoeuvring on crutches.
Those who wish to support the fundraising can do so at http://tinyurl.com/2bmbvyxs.
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