AN avid Hibernian fan who wore a Heart of Midlothian shirt for charity says it was all worth it.
Recently, Darren Thomson, from Galashiels, was able to hand over a generous donation to the Stroke Ward at the Borders General Hospital and the Gala Fairydean Rovers Disability Para Football squad.
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Darren suffered a stroke six years ago following a blood clot on his brain.
And last month, with the help of his support workers Andrew Miller, Alastair Jamieson and Steven Waugh, he agreed to be pushed in his wheelchair from Melrose to Selkirk and then on to Galashiels wearing 10 different Premiership jerseys.
Last Tuesday August 22, Darren visited the BGH and handed over a cheque for £365.
Then on Sunday August 27, he attended the cage at Netherdale and handed the same amount to Graeme McIver, the GFR Community Trust chairman for the Disability Para Football squad.
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Darren said: “Wearing the Hearts jersey was worth it because it helped to raise money for the Stroke Ward that looked after me and the disability team.
“It would have been easy for the team to forget about me after my stroke but they still consider me to be a player. They are a great bunch.”
Karen Wilson, NHS Borders' fundraising manager, added: “We are so thankful to Darren and his team for all their efforts. The donations raised will go towards the Stroke Unit at Borders General Hospital and be used towards enhancing patient care."
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The donation was also welcomed by Mr McIver.
He said: “The Gala Fairydean Rovers Community Trust is grateful to Darren for this fantastic donation to our Disability Para Football squad. His fundraising efforts helped us provide subsidised training equipment and travel expenses at a time when all these costs are rising. Well done Darren and his carers who supported him.”
It’s been a busy week for Darren who took possession of a new electric wheelchair and watched his beloved Hibs play Aston Villa at Easter Road.
And he planning to go to Villa Park on Thursday for the reverse fixture.
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