Community pulls together for youngster

Jay, a Mearns Castle pupil who is a member of Giffnock soccer centre’s ‘Milan’ side, was diagnosed with Burkitt’s lymphoma — a type of cancer — in December last year.

During his fight with the illness, members at the soccer centre raised more than £3,000 through a team fun run.

While, his brother, Matt (17), went a step further, shaving his head as a sign of solidarity.

Mum Felice (51) told The Extra: “Although this has been a very trying time for our family, we would like something positive to come out of this and giving to the TCT is worthwhile.

They were amazing with Jay’s care.

“Jay is not a child but neither is he an adult and the charity bridges that gap.

“Jay is an amazing young man truly an inspiration to me and has never really let this get him down”.

The funds will go towards the new TCT unit in the southern general hospital due to open 2015.

To donate, visit http://www.justgiving.com/felice-groundland1.