Musical sensation Nathan Evans says it will be “a privilege” to take part in a charity football match being held at his home town club Airdrieonians later this month.
And British comedy icon Ricky Gervais has given his backing to the fundraising extravaganza too.
As Lanarkshire Live reported last month, celebrities will go head-to-head with footballing legends at the Diamonds’ Excelsior Stadium on July 31 in aid of North Lanarkshire Suicide Prevention.
Not only have Gervais and Evans pitched in to praise the All Stars v Legends pro-celebrity clash, the latter will join other famous faces - including Scottish comedian Karen Dunbar and Still Game stars Jane McCarry, Sanjeev Kohli and Matt Costello - at Airdrie Working Men’s Club this Sunday for a special open day.
There you can buy tickets for the game directly from the celebrities, get their autographs, and take selfies with them.
The fundraiser has been organised by Airdrieonians FC, the Airdrie Community Trust and radio presenter Ross Owen.
Ross had a cameo in an episode of season two of Gervais’ hit Netflix comedy-drama After Life after the two hit it off when Ross interviewed Gervais on his self-titled radio show.
Gervais plays a suicidal character in After Life so knows all about the importance of charities like North Lanarkshire Suicide Prevention.
Responding to the upcoming All Stars v Legends encounter, Gervais said: “I’m sorry I can’t be there in person to watch the charity match on July 31, but good luck to everyone who is taking part at Airdrieonians Football Club.
“North Lanarkshire Suicide Prevention do a great job and it’s such a worthy cause.”
Wellerman musician Nathan Evans will be joined on the pitch by River City’s Stephen Purdon and Cameron Fulton, Outlander star Scott Kyle, Sanjeev Kohli of Still Game fame, Robin Laing from Band of Brothers and football pundit Peter Martin.
And footballing legends involved include Airdrieonians’ own Owen Coyle, Bryan Prunty, Sandy Stewart, Andy Smith and Willie McGuire, along with Old Firm favourites Gordon Smith, Simon Donnelly and Marvin Andrews.
Evans is “really excited” about the game and told Lanarkshire Live : “It’s a privilege to play at the Excelsior Stadium. When I was wee I lived across the road from the ground, on Howletnest Road.
“I remember hitting the big red doors on the outside with a ball when I was younger, wishing I could play on the inside. Getting to come and do this is incredible.
“I used to play with a team when I was really young called Strathclyde Colts, on Saturday mornings, and multiple other teams.
I loved it; every week I would always look forward to a Saturday.
“I cannot wait to play with Marvin Andrews; he just walks about with a big smile on his face and is always happy.
“I am really excited about the game and hope we can raise as much money for, and awareness of, suicide prevention.”
Ross Owen will be hosting the open day at Airdrie Working Men’s Club this Sunday, from 1pm to 5pm, and gave people a flavour of what they can expect from the event.
He said: “You can come along in person and buy your tickets for the charity match directly from our celebrity guests.
“We’re going to be joined by a host of famous faces, including Nathan Evans, Karen Dunbar and stars of Still Game , who will be selling tickets directly to visitors.
“There will be plenty of selfie and autograph opportunities too and more names will be announced online.”
Tickets for the All Stars v Legends cost £8 for adults and £4 for kids, with free entry for under-fives, and are available here.
Pre-match entertainment, which includes a bouncy castle, a pirate ship, face painting, live music and a few surprises, starts at 11am with the match kicking off at 1pm.
* Don't miss the latest headlines from around Lanarkshire. Sign up to our newsletters here.
And did you know Lanarkshire Live is on Facebook? Head on over and give us a like and share!
