Rivalry was forgotten at the weekend when Scott McCue completed an 'Ayrshire Derby Marathon' to raise funds for both Kilmarnock and Ayr United in memory of his father Colin.
Following the Ayrshire Derby fixture at Rugby Park in February, Killie fan Colin suffered a sudden cardiac arrest outside of the stadium on his return home, and sadly passed away in hospital in the early hours of the next morning.
As they were walking back to their car when Colin fell ill, the first people to arrive and help out were fans of Ayr United who were leaving the Chadwick Stand and quickly rushed to the tragic dad's aid.
Scott has since credited the actions of the away fans for not only giving Colin a chance of survival, but granting his family a few more hours to say goodbye.
And a desire for Scott to say thanks to the clubs for the support they have shown led him on a journey to raise funds for community projects being carried out by the Ayrshire sides.
He said: “I have been a fan for nearly 30 years, my dad started bringing me to games in 1993.
“Sadly, my dad took ill in February outside the stadium and passed away.
“He had been through all the significant stuff as a fan, the 1965 league win, and he told me stories about the Eintracht Frankfurt games.
“He was Killie all his days, and the support we’ve had from the club as well as Ayr United and the footballing community in general has been brilliant.
“We just wanted to do something in his memory and show a bit of gratitude to both clubs. I had the idea of doing this marathon, it seemed fitting as my way to say thank you.
“Money raised will go to the community side of both clubs, I am happy to raise the money and allow the clubs to decide what to do with it.”
On Sunday, Scott covered the 13 miles of ground between Rugby Park and Somerset Park before returning back to his starting point in Kilmarnock and completing the second leg of the journey – almost 27 miles in total.
He reached the finish line at Killie in a fantastic time of three hours, 55 minutes 54 seconds.
Jordan Allison, charity manager at Kilmarnock FC, said: “The support Kilmarnock Community Supporters' Trust (KCST) has witnessed since Scott announced the marathon has been incredible.
“With the funds raised so far, we have already purchased a community defibrillator.
“This will be installed outside the Moffat Stand which will be accessible 24/7 and will be used to deliver training to local young people, starting as early as the October holidays.
“Our hope is that local young people can become first aid training leaders, ensuring Scott’s fundraising provides a lasting legacy in memory of Colin.
“As well as this vital funding, the awareness raised about KCST’s wider community programmes has been hugely beneficial so we can’t thank Scott enough.”
Shaun Ferrie, community programme manager at Ayr United, added: “The challenge Scott done representing his late father’s memory, we at Ayr United are right behind him and we’re proud that he has chosen to raise funds for Ayr United Community programmes.
“When it comes to life, football rivalry gets put aside and everyone comes together and from reading Colin’s story that is exactly what happened.
“Scott is highlighting this through various fundraising projects and we wish him and his family all the best for everything they are doing. Well done Scott.”
You can donate to Scott’s cause – which has already raised over £6,000 – by visiting here.
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