Gordon Smith has become an ambassador for Muscular Dystrophy UK
Muscular Dystrophy UK has appointed Scottish football legend Gordon Smith as an ambassador.
Smith, who played for Rangers in the 1970s and 80s before going on to become the club's director of football, is a long-standing supporter of the charity but was moved to come on board as an official ambassador after meeting a young Rangers fan.
Robbie Martin (11), from Lanark, has Duchenne muscular dystrophy, a life-limiting muscle-wasting condition. He met Smith and told him about his condition and how he still manages to fundraise for the charity.
Robbie’s story struck a chord with Smith who has now agreed to increase his role at the charity.
Gordon can do so much to help make sure more people know about muscular dystrophy
“Robbie is a great lad,” Smith said. “It’s been a privilege to meet young people like him while supporting the charity over the past few years.
“It’s vital we can give them the support they need to fulfil their potential. As a sportsman, I have relied on my muscles for my career. I can’t imagine what it would be like to lose the ability to do some of the things that are so important to me.
“I feel honoured to become an ambassador for Muscular Dystrophy UK. I hope my involvement will help raise awareness of the charity’s work, and to make a difference in fighting these terrible conditions, which are affecting many thousands of lives in Scotland today.”
Robert Meadowcroft, chief executive of Muscular Dystrophy UK, said: “We are very proud that Gordon has joined us as an ambassador.
“He has pledged to help us raise awareness of muscle-wasting conditions, which have a profound affect on thousands of families.
“By raising vital funds, Gordon is helping us to make faster progress in the search for life-changing treatments, and in improving the lives of each and every person living with a muscle-wasting condition.”
Robbie’s mum, Barbara Martin, said her family was delighted that Gordon had taken the time to get to know Robbie.
“We think it’s absolutely fantastic Gordon is joining the charity as an ambassador. He’s a kind and genuine person.
“Muscular dystrophy is very rare, and lots of people don’t really know much about it. Gordon can do so much to help make sure more people know about these conditions.”
