Raith reveal new away kit with cancer charity links

New Raith Rovers away strip launch - Iain Davidson and Ross Callachan with Eric Low, chief executive of Myeloma - credit - FPA -

The away strip sponsorship was gifted to Myeloma UK by long-term Raith Rovers fan, Douglas Roberts, who won the sponsorship package in a prize draw at the club.

The bold new red, white and navy design - colours voted for by fans in an online poll - was unveiled at a meet the players event held at Stark’s Park yesterday (Wednesday) evening.

Mr Roberts said: “As a Raith fan for over 25 years I support my club in whatever way I can, and I jumped at the chance to enter this competition.

The players model the full kit (from left) Lewis Vaughan, David Bates, Iain Davidson and Ross Callachan. Credit - FPA -

“I always knew that if I won I’d give the sponsorship to a charity and Myeloma UK is a charity that is important to me.

“A good friend, Eric Low, set it up almost 20 years ago and since then it’s gone from strength to strength.

“The team at Myeloma UK do a great job of supporting myeloma patients in Scotland and across the UK.”

Myeloma is a rare and incurable form of bone marrow cancer. Every year approximately 390 people in Scotland are diagnosed with the condition, and currently 17,500 people across the UK are affected.

Back of jersey sponsor Willie MacGregor of MacGregor Solicitors with Iain Davidson. Credit - FPA -

Eric Low, Myeloma UK chief executive, said: “A big thanks goes out to Douglas and Raith Rovers - we are thrilled to have been named as their away strip sponsor.

“Myeloma might only affect a relatively small number of cancer patients in Scotland but its impact on people’s lives is huge.

“This kind of visibility will mean an enormous amount to the people we work with every day.”

The strip launch took place during Myeloma Awareness Week (June 21 -28).

Eric Drysdale, Raith Rovers CEO, added: “The competition that we ran earlier this year was the first of its kind for Raith Rovers, and generated significant interest from a wide range of supporters groups, charities and local businesses.

“The prizes ranged from away shirt sponsor through to back of shirt sponsor plus other smaller prizes. There could be only one winner, however, of the main prize and Raith Rovers are delighted to be able to help support Myeloma UK and aid in awareness of this disease.”

The second place prize draw winner William MacGregor, of MacGregor Solicitors, won the back of shirt sponsorship.

“As a lifelong Raith Rovers fan, I am delighted to have my business logo on the back of the away shirt,” Mr MacGregor said. “I entered the shirt sponsorship competition as it seemed a great chance for local businesses to support the club whilst having the prospect of having a prominent position at match days next season.”