After last year’s launch of The Billy McNeill Fund we are delighted to announce our second Golf Day and Dinner at Cameron House on Friday 26th May. All funds raised will go to providing respite care for ex-professionals who are suffering from dementia.

The event is being supported by, amongst others, Celtic FC, Rangers FC, The SPFL and The SFA. In attendance on the day will be former Celtic managers, Martin O’Neill and Gordon Strachan. Many ex-footballers will also be taking part, as well as former snooker world champion John Higgins, Scotland rugby coach Gregor Townsend and Judy Murray.

Amongst those attending will be Mary Maclean. Mary is the wife of former Dunfermline Athletic captain, Jimmy Maclean. Jimmy, who suffers from dementia, was the captain of Dunfermline when they played against Celtic in the 1965 Scottish Cup final. Mary will be the first recipient of help through The Billy McNeill Fund.

Mary said: “My husband, Jimmy, played against Billy in the 1965 Scottish 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 per cent commitment to play for their clubs. It is great to know with the support of the charity I can give 100 per cent commitment to caring for Jimmy.”

Liz McNeill, Billy’s wife, 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. 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.”

Dougie McCluskey of Battle Against Dementia/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.”

The Billy Against Dementia Golf Day and Dinner. 26th May at Cameron House Hotel. Tickets can be bought on www.eventbrite.co.uk Donations can be made by texting 'Billy' to 70099.

Golf Day and Dinner to support The Billy McNeill Fund