Cuparians show thatthey have big hearts

Dozens of people in the town have come forward to support the Cupar Cup charity football tournament, due to take place at Duffus Park on May 28.

Money is pouring in through sponsorship and donations, meaning that at least one defibrillator is already assured before a ball has even been kicked.

Four teams will compete in the tournament – ‘Celtic’, ‘Rangers’, ‘Dundee United’ and ‘Aberdeen’.

So many would-be players came forward that organiser Wayne Melrose had the tough task of whittling each squad down to 18.

To prolong the suspense he’s releasing the players’ names on a weekly basis, with the ‘Aberdeen’ and ‘Dundee United’ teams confirmed so far.

All the players, teams, managers and referees are being sponsored by local businesses and organisations and raffle prizes are flooding in.

“Each defibrillator costs around £2500 so we’ve already raised enough to buy one,” said Wayne.

“The response from local people has been fantastic.

“As well as the tournament itself, we’ve got lots of attractions lined up so it should be a great family day out.

“Tesco is running a kitchen, and there’ll be a fire engine as well as a cockpit and assault course courtesy of the Air Cadets.

“The police are even bringing along their five-a-side pitch.”

The teams are already in training for what promises to be a fiercely-fought contest for the coveted winners’ trophy, which is one of several being donated by Cupar businessman Steven Stewart.

The tournament will be the latest – and biggest –to be organised by Wayne, who in recent years has raised thousands for local charities and good causes.

The event usually takes the form of a ‘Rangers’ v ‘Celtic’ match and last year Wayne’s old schoolfriend from Bell Baxter, TV star Jordan Young, caused a stir when he came along to lend his support.

Meanwhile Councillor Margaret Kennedy, who represents Cupar, has backed the Scottish Ambulance Service’s Registration to Resuscitation campaign, launched today (Friday).

The service is appealing to communities to register potentially life-saving public access defibrillators on its dedicated website. There is currently no legal obligation to do so.

Councillor Kennedy said: “As a former nurse, I recognise that these are vital pieces of equipment in the crucial early minutes following a cardiac arrest before an ambulance arrives. This campaign will help save more lives.”