Rangers Supporters Erskine Appeal reaches £1.5 Million milestone

The Rangers Supporters Erskine Appeal (RSEA) has hit the back of the net once again, raising £1.5 million in support of Scotland’s foremost Veterans charity.

From its modest beginnings from can collections in 2007, the RSEA has grown to provide vital fundraising through a host of large events, ranging from zip slides and abseils to sold-out football tournaments and sportsmen’s dinners.

The achievement marks over a decade of the Ibrox support rallying behind Erskine, which provides specialist care for ex-servicemen and women and their families throughout the country.

Over the past 12 months, the RSEA has donated a further £110,000 including £8,000 to provide Christmas gifts and New Year drinks for six Erskine houses, £5,000 to the Erskine Reid MacEwen Activities Centre (ERMAC), £5,000 for a brand new summer house at Yarrow House in Bishopton, and a further £1,700 for a Memorial Bench at the home.

These donations are just the latest in a long history of contributions, which have included funding for physiotherapy equipment, recreational therapy rooms, music therapy programs, and a hybrid vehicle to support Erskine’s operations.

The funding has also allowed Erskine to provide holistic therapy sessions for spouses and carers at the Erskine Reid MacEwen Activity Centre.

The Rangers Supporters Erskine Appeal was founded by Rangers fan Tom Clark. Originally intending to raise enough money to provide residents with a lunch and a day out at the football, Tom’s efforts quickly exceeded all expectations, growing into the fundraising initiative which has now raked in over £1.5 million.

In 2010, Tom was joined by Murray Roxburgh of Grail PR, who has been instrumental in elevating the profile and success of RSEA’s activities over the past decade. Their efforts have been further bolstered by dedicated support from groups such as RSEANE (Rangers Supporters Erskine Appeal North East) and the Railway Bears, a group of Rangers supporters from the rail industry.

Former Rangers striker Gordon Smith was also appointed the group’s president in 2020 following the sad passing the groups original patron and inspiration Harold Davis.

Since its inception, RSEA has hosted a variety of high-profile events. In 2011, the group’s first Glasgow Sportsman Dinner brought together 600 attendees to honour the 1961 Rangers team who faced Wolverhampton Wanderers. The event was attended by club legends, including John Greig, Alfie Conn, and Johnny Hubbard MBE, alongside six surviving members of the team.

Other notable events have included Northern Soul nights, quizzes, speakers nights and Burns Suppers in Glasgow, Kirkintilloch and Sanquhar. Further events have included golf tournaments in Callandar, lawn bowls tournaments at Renfrew and Partick, sponsored events including walks, Munro climbs, Highland Treks and cycles, as well as two girls ticking off their bucket lists by completing the London Marathon.

Rangers artist Helen Runciman lent her talents to the cause as has poet Paul Hunter, who with his artist wife Sheila, allowed Paul’s illustrated poem “The Poppy” to add further funds.

Singer-songwriter Sammy King from Yorkshire, who penned Penny Arcade for Roy Orbison allowed the group to release his version of the song into the download charts to raise money for the Veterans – it was a great success, topping the UK download charts for several of weeks.

The RSEA’s merchandise, particularly its collectible pin badges, continues to be a cornerstone of their fundraising, with 11,000 badges now being sold annually.

Even during the challenges of the pandemic, the group adapted, maintaining momentum through online merchandise sales. Tom Clark’s father, Jim, also walked 26 miles over three days, raising more than £10,000 for the cause.

RSEA Secretary Tom Clark said: “Reaching £1.5 million is a testament to the unwavering generosity of the Rangers community. This achievement wouldn’t have been possible without the thousands of fans who have supported our events, bought our merchandise, or contributed their time and money. It’s a collective effort that truly embodies the spirit of the Rangers family.”

RSEA President Gordon Smith said: “The RSEA has set a shining example of what can be achieved when a community comes together for a cause. It’s a privilege to see first-hand the difference these funds make to the lives of Veterans and their families.”

Ian Cumming MBE, Chief Executive of Erskine, said: “This £1.5 million milestone is a truly exceptional achievement. It reflects years of dedication, creativity, and compassion from the Rangers Supporters Erskine Appeal. Their contributions have transformed the lives of so many Veterans, and we are profoundly grateful for their continued support.”

Additional quotes from RSEA Patrons

Alex MacDonald, Barca Bear: "What a fantastic total raised for Erskine by the RSEA, I'm proud to have attended many of their events over the years. Good people, doing good things, you wouldn't expect anything less. The money they have raised is staggering."

Lee Wallace, former Rangers captain: "I have been a Patron of the RSEA since 2012. The work they do for our Veterans at Erskine is second to none and to break through £1.5M is an outstanding achievement. Well done to them and to all who supports their initiatives."

Ian Ferguson, former Rangers midfielder: “Well done to The Rangers Supporters Erskine Appeal for raising £1.5M for our Veterans at The Erskine Home. Eighteen years of fundraising is a phenomenal effort and what a total. I'm so proud to be one of their patrons. It really is a fantastic achievement from all involved."

For further information please contact Susan Hamilton, Communications Officer, on 0141 814 4719 or email susan.hamilton@erskine.org.uk

To find out more about Erskine’s work please visit our website at www.erskine.org.uk, follow on twitter @ErskineCharity via Facebook www.facebook.com/ErskineVeteransCharity or listen to Erskine Veterans Radio at Erskine.org.uk/radio. To donate directly to Erskine, please visit Erskine.org.uk/donate.