Killie FC fan gets Ayr Utd pal to don rival top for charity

May 8 2009 by Stef Lach, Kilmarnock Standard

A KILMARNOCK fan hatched a cunning plan to make his Ayr United supporting pal wear a Killie top in the name of charity.

Rugby Park season ticket holder Cameron Macdonald and his friend Stuart Wren, a United fan, are both police officers and enjoy a bit of banter about the football.

And when Stuart announced he was going to run a marathon for charity, Cameron asked how much he’d need to raise to get Stuart to do it in a Killie top.

Cameron said: “I just asked him out of badness how much it would take for him to run it in a Killie strip.

“He said no immediately, but I knew I could get his fiance to talk him round if it raised more money for the charity.”

Only if Ayr fans donate more money than their Ayrshire rivals will Stuart will be saved from the torture.

His bizarre pledge has supporters from both sides buzzing as they bid to back a good cause.

Stuart will run for the Butterfly Trust, which raises money for sufferers of Cystic Fibrosis.

His daughter, Chloe, two, has the illness and could see her dad go through double pain while running 26 miles.

Stuart’s fiance Cathy Watson said: “It goes totally against his grain but given it’s for charity, it’s something he’ll grit his teeth and get on with.

“But I think that wearing a Killie top will actually be tougher than running the 26 miles of the marathon.

“It’s definitely not something he’s looking forward to but he’s prepared to do it so he can raise as much money as possible.”

Stuart, 33, will line up in the Edinburgh marathon on May 31 hoping that his fellow Honest Men have donated more than Killie supporters.

Two rival websites have been set up for the fans to do battle with their donations – and the winning team will see Stuart sport their strip.

But he’s crossing everything that Ayr fans come through in time for the big run.

Stuart admitted: “This is a big ask of someone who wouldn’t normally put a price on loyalty for his team.

“I’m sure most supporters would agree, however, this is a personal mission and for a great cause. So make your donation today.”

Stuart launched his charity drive at Somerset Park with United star Ryan Stevenson, who is backing the big-hearted dad to run in the black and white.

Ayr fans who want to see Stuart in their colours can donate money online at justgiving.com/ayrvkillie

Killie fans should log on to justgiving.com/killievayr

Cameron, 36, added: “I’d love to see him running in a Killie strip. I’d be waiting at the finish line with a camera at the ready!”