Rangers fans are set to host an emotional charity match in memory of legendary Ibrox kitman Jimmy Bell.
Bars for Bears is a Facebook group with over 27,000 members that looks to connect Rangers bar/pub owners with fans looking for a place to watch the games in a social setting.
The match, which will involve Ibrox icons likes Marvin Andrews, Andy Little, Colin Hendry and Walter Smith’s legendary No 2 Archie Knox will go ahead at Renfrew Juniors’ New Western Park ground.
It is just over a year since Jimmy passed away and the touching tributes in the last few days have shown how much that he is missed by family, friends and supporters.
Proceeds from the match between a Bears Legends Select and showbiz side Dulka Pumpherston will go to St Andrew’s Hospice and the Rangers Supporters Erskine Appeal.
Suzanne Oz created the Facebook page in 2019, and wanted it to be a place for Rangers fans to connect with each other.
The popularity of the page has grown over the years, with the team now having a Sunday League football side, and having raised over £25,000 for charities.
But having the honour of creating what is going to be known as the ‘Jimmy Bell Memorial Cup’ left Suzanne feeling “privileged”.
Speaking to the Paisley Daily Express, she said: “When I had spoken with Jim’s family we decided that we would do this and what we wanted to do was make a day where fans can come along.
“Renfrew Juniors couldn’t have been better to us as they allowed us to use their park when we started our team, so this is our way of giving back. To be able to bring people together at the ground will be amazing.
“Tickets are £6 and kids can get in for free because we just want to pack it full of Rangers fans and family, as well as show the family how much the fans appreciated Jimmy.
“He might not have been a legend on the park but he was definitely a legend at Rangers and idolised by the fans.
“We have a saying at Bars for Bears – we do events not to make money but to make memories – and that’s exactly what this is all about. I am privileged to be able to arrange this and I am very much connected with the Rangers fans.”
Suzanne and John Ogilvie, chairman of Bars for Bears, hope this can run every year, with the plan to play it in different areas. The event is set to take place on Saturday, July 8 at New Western Park and tickets can be bought by visiting this website.
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