A PRESTWICK football team are running the distance between Hampden and Wembley to support one of their own after he lost his baby daughter.

Glenburn MWFC have rallied round player John Anderson and his wife Aimi after tragedy struck the couple in March, when their daughter Lottie was stillborn.

Now the players are raising money for the charity Ayrshire Sands, who offer bereavement support to families who have suffered the loss of a new born or still born, as well as raising awareness of mental health during coronavirus. Some funds will also go to the Kris Boyd Foundation.

A team of 27 including players and coaches have been pounding the streets of Ayr and Prestwick in support of John and have set up an online fundraiser.

Manager George Wallace told the Advertiser: “When John lost his baby, all the boys said they wanted to do something for them.

“With the current situation and the football being off we came up with the idea of running the distance of Hampden to Wembley and have set ourselves the goal to do it in a week.

“Already we are nearing the target, so we are thinking if we get enough support of doing it there and back.”

“There’s 22 in the squad, and 27 who are out a run every day. One of the boys has already ran a half marathon, another ran 10 miles the first day.”

The Glenburn MWFC Hampden to Wembley challenge comes hot on the heels of local youth team, Ayr Boswell 08s who are on a mission to complete a virtual tour of every Premier League ground for Ayrshire Cancer Support.

As well as supporting the charity that helped their teammate John, the players and coaches are looking to raise awareness of mental health, by donating funds to the Kris Boyd Foundation.

George said: “When we heard what happened to John, we all rallied round him.

“We all wanted to do something for him and his family. Ayrshire Sands were there for them, it’s important we highlight the amazing work they do.”

“We’ve all had days when everything is sore and it’s a struggle, but we have a motivation. We need to remember why we are doing this.”

“I’ve known Kris since playing with a boys club. We grew up together. He’s had a fair bit of support recently. It’s important to remember that through all this, folk are struggling with mental health as well.”

The team have already smashed their target of £1,500 with their runs, reaching over £2,000.

You can donate to the fundraiser here: https://www.gofundme.com/f/glenburn-mw-hampden-to-wembley

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