Whilst the eyes of all their fans will be firmly focused on the
on-field action, one of Ross County's first moves ahead of their
hugely anticipated match against Celtic on Wednesday the
21st of September was centered on events outside
Victoria Park rather than inside.
A bucket collection will take place outside the ground before
the game in support of the Emma Cameron Foundation (SCO42512). The
Foundation has only just been set up and registered in its aims of
providing support for children with cancer.
Emma Cameron passed away in April this year, shortly before her
12th birthday, following an 18 month battle with cancer where she
endured chemotherapy and amputation of her diseased knee. Emma was
a mascot for Ross County at the 2010 Scottish Cup Final where she
walked out onto the pitch unaided only ten weeks after her
amputation. She also presented Princess Anne with flowers and a
copy of Ross County's Scottish Cup book when the Princess opened
the Highland Academy of Football. Despite her illness she grasped
and enjoyed life's opportunities which came her way.
Emma's family and friends recognise the benefits provided by the
various charities that supported her throughout her illness and aim
to raise funds to further support those charities and Yorkhill
Hospital where Emma underwent her treatment.
Emma benefitted from charities providing practical support such
as real hair wigs, treats such as meeting pop stars and also a fun
filled trip to Lapland. The Foundation have first hand experience
of the value of those treats to sick children and will use this
experience in ensuring their funds provide similar benefits.
Ross County's Head of Administration, Ranald Gilbert, explained,
"I was privileged to meet Emma and her family during her battle
with the illness and was touched by her spirit and determination.
When I met her father, Alan, at an away match towards the end of
last season and he explained that they were in the process of
setting up a charity in her memory my first thought was what we as
a Club could do to help. Every season we provide as many charities
as possible with collections outside the ground here at Victoria
Park so I added them to the list and when this cup tie came out of
the hat I immediately felt it the right occasion for them, given
Emma's involvement in our historic Scottish Cup campaign in 2010. I
hope fans of both Clubs will dig deep on the night to help this
hugely worthwhile cause which will make such a difference to the
children it supports."
Website and facebook pages for the charity are under
construction to publicise the charity and more details will be
available there shortly.
Emma heading out of the
tunnel at Hampden alongside Andy Barrowman
