A MUM whose son died from cystic fibrosis at the age of 30 is hoping families will flock to a memorial football match being held in Johnstone next month.

The showdown at Johnstone Burgh’s Keanie Park ground will be the second annual fundraising match in memory of Stewart Kelly, who passed away last year after a long and brave battle with the disease.

Money raised at the fundraiser will be donated to the three charities that helped Stewart towards the end of his life – Cystic Fibrosis Trust, The Willow Foundation and The Butterfly Trust.

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His mum Shirley said: “It promises to be a fantastic day and I am overwhelmed by the support being shown by everybody who wants to help raise as much money as possible for the charities.”

Since Stewart’s death, Shirley has been a tireless campaigner and fundraiser as she aims to highlight the disease that cruelly took her son’s life at such an early age.

Her campaign has included urging the Scottish Government to make the life-prolonging drug Symdeko available more readily for cystic fibrosis sufferers.

It was given to Paisley man Stewart on compassionate grounds but it was too late to save him.

Last year’s memorial match for Stewart, a keen Celtic fan, raised a bumper total of £10,000 and friends are confident even more can be raised this year as a ‘Celtic versus Rangers’ showdown takes place at Keanie Park.

Stewart’s girlfriend Dionne Pearson and pals Christopher McPherson and Daniel McIntyre are now busy finalising details for the event and arranging raffle prizes, with help from Shirley.

Christopher, who works as a barman at The Elderslie Inn, told The Gazette: “Stewart was a regular at The Inn and everybody knew him. 

“He didn’t drink because of his condition but he was in here most days for a packet of crisps and a game of pool.

“Everyone was gutted when he passed away.

“People were unbelievably generous with last year’s fundraising and we are going all out to do even better this year.”

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Stewart’s friends and pub regulars will play in the fundraising match, which takes place on Sunday, September 8. There will also be a bouncy castle, burger stall and face painting, with the fun kicking off at 12.30pm and continuing until 5pm.

Those who go along will be asked to make a donation.

After the game, a raffle and auction will be held in The Elderslie Inn.

For more information, call 01505 342028.

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