DOUGIE’S STORY

Dougie had always been happy in his life, with a great job and family, but anyone’s luck can turn at any time, leading them down unexpected paths.

After his Mum, Mary’s tragic passing following a three-year illness, Dougie became depressed and as a result, became isolated and relied on alcohol to get through the day. The loneliness was his biggest struggle and he knew he needed help.

Dougie took the brave step to attend Paradise Pit Stop one afternoon. He says it was a “long and lonely” two-mile walk to Celtic Park, but he saw immediate benefits.

“I felt safe straight away. As soon as I walked in, there were other people just like me, and what happened was I got a lovely meal. I got made to feel comfortable and welcome.”

The warm and welcoming environment of Paradise Pit Stop was exactly what Dougie needed to get his life back on track. For the first time in several years, he had a reason to get out of the house, he had people to connect with and he had a distraction from his worries. He even spent Christmas Day at Paradise:

“It was the first time in two or three years that I had a nice Christmas, a beautiful Christmas. It's just been a blessing and it was the best move I made.”

In the Spirit of Christmas

We first think of Christmas as a time of joy and happiness, but for many people it’s actually the most difficult time of the year, where loneliness, financial worries and other struggles are magnified. For the past 10 years, the Celtic FC Christmas films have focused on that joyful Christmas magic, but this year we wanted to raise awareness of the other side of the festive season.

Celtic FC was formed with a purpose of providing support. The club’s aim was to help alleviate poverty in the East End of Glasgow and put food on the table for vulnerable people, and that aim has only expanded in reach since then as we have continued to be a club open to all. With this year’s film, we want to raise awareness of the excellent work that Celtic FC Foundation do each year.

This year we have highlighted the stories of three participants of Celtic FC Foundation projects, to show the help that’s available all year round to anyone who needs it. All three participants, Frances, Ellen, and Dougie show incredible journeys and how Celtic FC Foundation’s projects have been valuable in their life.

FIND OUT MORE

Celtic FC Foundation projects across the UK and Ireland were engaged with over 39,500 times last year, demonstrating the ongoing need for this invaluable support. The Christmas Appeal is of course a major campaign every year, raising £412k in 2024 to help those who need it most over the festive period.

But the Foundation provides essential services all year round, delivering a wide range of support across Glasgow and beyond. Christmas is a time when many of us feel an extra strain, and it’s understandable that you may need a little more help over the festive season.

It’s never too late to take the first step, and asking for help is always the right thing to do. Celtic FC Foundation has a host of friendly and welcoming colleagues who can give you advice, plus you can meet likeminded local people to build an essential community.

Dougie found his support in the Paradise Pit Stop, and you can find out more about that and many more projects below.

Celtic FC Foundation Projects

We hope these stories can inspire you to look further into the help offered by Celtic FC Foundation, and that you can take the first step to receiving support if you or a loved one need it.

In the Spirit of Christmas: Watch the final part of our Christmas film now