Fundraising event launched in honour of Celtic legend Billy McNeill

The Lisbon Lion, who captained Celtic to their European Cup victory in 1967, passed away in April 2019 amid struggles with dementia.

The Billy McNeill Fund was launched last year in honour of the late great to aid ex-football players who have been affected by the disease.

Together with Battle Against Dementia, the fund has announced the second annual Golf Day and Dinner fundraising event.

Taking place at Cameron House on Friday, May 26, all of the money raised will go to providing respite care for former professionals living with dementia.

Celtic captain Callum McGregor and McNeill's wife Liz McNeill were joined by other representatives at Celtic Park on Thursday to promote the event.

Celtic Captain Callum McGregor (Image: Colin Mearns, Newsquest)

Celtic Captain Callum McGregor, middle, pictured at Celtic park with, from left- Frank McAvennie, Mary MacLean, Liz McNeill (wife of Billy McNeill) and Dougie McCluskey. (Image: Colin Mearns, Newsquest)

One of the representatives, Mary MacLean, is the wife of ex-Dunfermline captain, Jimmy MacLean.

Jimmy was the captain of Dunfermline when they played against Celtic in the 1965 Scottish Cup final.

The fundraising event hits close to home as Jimmy has been diagnosed with dementia. He will be the first recipient to get help through the Billy McNeill Fund.

Mary MacLean, left and Liz McNeill, wife of Billy McNeill. (Image: Colin Mearns, Newsquest)

Mary said: “I remember with sadness reading about Billy McNeill and how he had lost his battle with life through dementia.

"My husband, Jimmy, played against Billy in the 1965 Cup final when they were both captains.

"Football was their life. When I heard about the Billy McNeill Fund I contacted Dougie McCluskey at the charity who gave me his time and kept in contact with me.

"Now they are in a position to provide respite care on a regular basis. This will mean I will have a little me time for which I am extremely grateful.

"Having a loved one with dementia is very challenging on a daily basis. Men like Billy and Jimmy gave 100% commitment to play for their clubs.

"It is great to know with the support of the charity I can give 100% commitment to caring for Jimmy.”

Liz expressed her gratification at being able to help another family affected by dementia.

She said: “I am delighted to hear that the fund is now able to start providing respite care for the families of ex-professionals who are suffering with dementia.

"I know first-hand how difficult it is giving care, love and attention to a family member who suffers with dementia. It becomes your life."

She added: "I was at the Cup final in 1965 and remember Billy and Jimmy leading the teams out.

"It’s always sad to hear of another footballer suffering and although all the medical research is tremendous there is not any extra help for them or their families.

"So knowing that the fund is helping Mary get some time to herself is great news.”

The Golf Day and Dinner is being supported by, amongst others, Celtic FC, Rangers FC, the SPFL and the SFA.  

In attendance on the day will be footballing legends including Martin O’Neill, Graeme Souness, Gordon Strachan and Alex McLeish.

Ex-players including Kris Boyd, Charlie Nicolas, Neil McCann, Scott Brown and many more as well as former Snooker World Champion John Higgins, Scotland rugby coach Gregor Townsend and tennis star Judy Murray will also be there.

Dougie McCluskey, from Battle Against Dementia and The Billy McNeill Fund, said: “There has been an extraordinary amount of hard work put in by a lot of people over the last few years to get to this stage.

"The event last year was just the starting point and I’m delighted that the charity is now in a position to help the families of footballers who are suffering with dementia.

"We are hoping this year’s golf day will be an even bigger success allowing us to raise funds to help even more ex-players in need.”

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