Legends' lock-in event raises over £4000 for charity

The night, organised by The Crunchie Initiative’s founder David McInally, raised £4,185 for chosen charities MND Scotland and the Chris Mitchell Foundation.

Over £2,000 will also benefit the initiative, which is now looking to help create a sensory room with the Falkirk Stadium, alongside renaming the South Stand after club legend Kevin McAllister.

Speaking to the Herald, David said of the night: “It’s fantastic to have been able to have raised so much money and that goes down to the great generosity of the Falkirk fans, who came out in big numbers like they always do.

“A heap of praise has to go on to some of the brilliant people who helped out on the night. Carole Buchanan, Janice McFadden and Jean Sneddon in particular for what they did on the night with raffle tickets and other things like that.

“So many people have spoken afterwards about the event and haven’t said a bad word. I’d like to thank Brian Flynn and everyone at Behind The Wall for making it all happen too and my brother John, who played a big part."

Squad members David Hagen and Paul McGrillen, who have both sadly passed away were poignantly remembered with the two chosen charities representing each player.

“It was wonderful,” he added. “To have Phillip (Chris Mitchell’s dad) attend also and pass on his thanks in person was a real honour and to support two charities close to two of our now sadly passed legends just made it a perfect night.

“David Hagen and Paul McGrillen were remembered on the night in a really nice way and it was great to have some family members along to the night.

“We also of course had Chris Mitchell in our minds too and it was just a night that exceeded my expectations for how well it went.”

He added: “Raising just over £2000 for the Crunchie Initiative was an added bonus.

“The expectations have truly been exceeded and that has allowed us to look beyond just the signage for the stand.”

McInally also revealed that as well as renaming the South Stand at the Falkirk Stadium, the group will aim to help create a sensory room due to the generosity enabling them to do so.

“We’ve bridged the gap now for the Kevin McAllister stand to become a reality now,” he explained.

“We are in a process now of selling letter sponsorship for the stand which will bring in funds too.

“Now, in conjunction with the club who have been really helpful, we are hoping to create a sensory area within the stadium.

“This is early doors and we are looking into the feasibility of this at the moment, but that would be brilliant if we could make it happen.

“The legacy from this campaign will hopefully bring a long-term community benefit.”

Rachel Maitland, MND Scotland’s CEO, added: “I would like to thank everyone at the Crunchie Initiative and all the Falkirk FC fans who have supported this fantastic fundraising effort.

"Without supporters like you we simply wouldn’t be able to continue providing life-changing support to people living with motor neuron disease today or fund the pioneering research which is taking us closer to finding a cure.

"The event is a wonderful tribute to ex-players David Hagen and Paul McGrillen, and all funds raised will make an incredible difference to both charities.”

Philip Mitchell said: "It’s great to have proceeds from the event going to help ensure those in Chris’s or Paul’s situation are supported.

"It was touching to be able to have attended the night and it was a huge success."

You can find out more about the group here:

https://twitter.com/km7stand