Two brothers are arranging a charity football match in memory of a relative who lost his battle with cancer this year.
Ryan and Danny Flannigan held their first charity match last year after Ryan’s father-in-law Terry McMillan was diagnosed with lung cancer.
After Terry died in February, the brothers decided to put on another game in his memory, raising money to be split between Macmillan Cancer Support and Marie Curie.
The big game will take place at Corrie Park in Armadale on Sunday, with a 1pm kick-off and festivities running from noon to 4pm.
Ryan said: “Last year we only had two weeks to organise the match and it went really well, with about 200 people coming down because the weather was so good, and we managed to raise £600.
“I’d be quite happy if it just went as well as last year’s event did but obviously, being more organised, we’re trying to raise more money.”
The match is a fundraising day that is open to everyone, with inflatables provided by Bouncy Castle Man, face painters, a balloon modelling clown and a special visit from Batman with his Batmobile.
Signed footballs from Livi, Hearts, Hibs and Manchester United will be auctioned off.
There will also be a DJ to provide music and an ice cream van.
At last year’s game Terry’s daughter Laura accepted Ryan’s marriage proposal and they were married in August.
“Laura is an absolute super hero,” said Ryan. “She’s only 22 and was involved massively in her dad’s care right from the start, sorting everything from appointments to prescriptions and towards the end being involved heavily with his everyday care as he was sadly deteriorating.
“She took it all in her stride and at such a young age, dealing with all this while also having our son running around as well, I could never be more proud of her and her dad for showing such amazing courage and strength.
“Both would always be laughing and joking, even though times were getting worse, and I am forever grateful to have her as my wife and to have Terry as my father-in-law. He made me feel like a part of the family right from the start.”
The game will see two teams - one captained by Ryan, and one by Danny - battle it out for the Terry McMillan Trophy.
Ryan said: “Danny’s side won 4-2 last year so I really want to beat him, as the mind games have already begun. He keeps texting me about how he’s going to have to keep the trophy warm for another year.”
For more information on the game contact Ryan at flannigan94@hotmail.co.uk.
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