A recovering addict and a former professional football player have teamed up to hold an Old Firm charity football match in Renton.
James Smith, 35, has been in recovery for two years after suffering from addictions to alcohol and drugs since his early teenage years.
To show gratitude to those who have helped him through it, he is setting up a charity match with help from good friend Graeme Ramage.
The match at Tontine Park at 1pm on Sunday, August 7, will take place between Dumbarton Rangers and Dumbarton Celtic, with both sides made up of local lads – some from St Pat’s FP AFC – to raise money for Children’s Hospices Across Scotland (CHAS) which operates Robin House in Balloch.
James spoke on said: “For years and years I was in addiction. I am now in recovery and I have decided it is time to give back to the community.
“This is the first charity match we have done because I have only been in recovery for two years, but I want to make it an annual thing.”
The event won’t just consist of a charity football match but also will include face painters, a bouncy castle and a DJ, with CHAS providing t-shirts, balloons and donation buckets.
Pal, Graeme, 29, is a former St Mirren and Dumbarton footballer from Alexandria, who is helping James.
The ex-pro said: “Like anything within the community, you see the great side, be it raffle prizes, money, companies willing to help on the day or players to play they are always willing to help out.
“I hope we achieve as much as we can to help the cause that Robin House helps with.”
You can donate by visiting https://www.justgiving.com/James-Smith331.
