A new fund has been set up in memory of Celtic legend, Billy McNeill, by his family, with the aim of helping professional ex-footballers and their families who have been directly affected by dementia.

They have linked up with the Battle Against Dementia charity which was founded by Douglas McCluskey, and a special fundraising event is being held on May 29 at Mar Hall in honour of Celtic’s legendary captain.

The ‘Billy Against Dementia’ event will involve a golf tournament during the day and a fundraising ball in the evening, and more details are available at www.battleagainstdementia.org

The event was officially launched today (Thursday) at Celtic Park, with Billy’s family, along with Douglas McCluskey, former Celt, Frank McAvennie, who is an ambassador for the Battle Against Dementia charity, and former Rangers and Scotland manager, Walter Smith

Speaking to Celtic TV, Billy McNeill’s daughter, Susan, said: “We’re absolutely delighted that it’s a legacy for Dad and that his name’s going to go with this legacy. We wanted to be able to help and this was something we had looked at, so when Dougie came up with this, we thought it was fantastic to help him get this off and running.

“Mum had so many letters and text messages – far too many to reply to – but they’ve been fantastic, and even now they’re a great source of comfort for Mum and for us all.”

Douglas McCluskey of Battle Against Dementia said: “My aims were to do something for dementia, and with Billy McNeill having gone through dementia, it was good for us to take part in something that would make a difference. The McNeill family were keen to get involved in something, but they weren’t sure with what.

“It was key that we built a fund that ex-footballers, and their families going through dementia, would benefit from, and so we’ve got this ‘Billy Against Dementia’ golf event at Mar Hall. All the funds will go to ex-footballers and their families going through dementia, so that’s fantastic.

“We’ve been gifted land at Balmore Golf Club so we want to build a Dementia Hub which will house people with dementia, and their families going through it, so it will be a memory area, music area – everything we can do to help people going through dementia.

“A fundamental part is to get the funds to put in place to build that, so this is a brilliant start for the charity.”

And Frank McAvennie, an ambassador for Battle Against Dementia, who played under Billy McNeill when Cesar was Celtic manager, added: “This charity is very close to my heart because the gaffer meant everything to me, and it just shows you how much Billy meant to everyone. We’ve got Walter Smith here, and both sides of the Glasgow divide come together when it comes to a horrible illness like dementia.”

More details on the ‘Billy Against Dementia’ event are available at www.battleagainstdementia.org

McNeill Family launch dementia charity event in honour of Cesar