Two MEDDA fans have successfully completed a beard-growing challenge for Ayrshire Hospice, raising a fantastic £1,500.

Ross Weeks and David Simpson, from the Wednesday Club at Medda Park, started the sponsored beard-growing challenge in May to support the charity through the COVID-19 crisis.

The men smashed their initial target of £1,000 and are delighted with the support they have received over the past two months.

Ross, club director and chairman of the Wednesday Club, said: “It’s gone so well. We didn’t think we’d make it to £500 never mind £1,500 so who knows what challenges we might embark on next.

“The Hospice will lose millions over coronavirus so every penny will be worth it. All the Medda fans have joined in too so they’re delighted.”

Fans say they are looking forward to the game’s return, but that it will take time to adapt to new social distancing measures.

Ross said: “There is plenty of work getting done behind the scenes at Medda Park with new football leagues coming out and a pyramid system. We’re still trying to raise money for floodlights, first aid rooms and new toilets. It’s going to be difficult as a lot of our money comes from donations and a lot of companies can’t afford to give us sponsorship.

“On the day of games themselves, it will be hard to maintain the 2m distance. We’ve got our hospitality section to think of and even if the distance goes down by a metre, it’s going to be hard at the social club as we usually have dances and Sunday brunches.We couldn’t have 45 people in the club like we usually do.”

“We’ve applied for a beer garden license, obviously not for during games but to tide us over during summer, so we’ll get there.”

Tracey Corrigan, head of fundraising at Ayrshire Hospice, said: “It is absolutely fantastic that David and Ross have raised £1500 for the hospice during lockdown.

“We are continually amazed and humbled by the generosity of the Ayrshire people in their support for the hospice.

“With so many of our events cancelled, receiving this money will help us to continue to help patients and their families with life limiting illness across Ayrshire and Arran.

“Thank you again David and Ross.”

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