Late Rangers and Scotland boss remembered with major £50,000 donation to cancer unit that cared for him
Ethel Smith honours her late husband’s memory with a £50,000 donation to the cancer unit that cared for the Rangers legend.
Five years after the death of legendary Rangers boss Walter Smith, his wife Ethel is helping to honour his memory with a sizeable £50,000 donation to the hospital unit that cared for him during his illness.
Smith, the former Rangers, Scotland and Everton manager, died aged 73 on October 26, 2021, following a battle with illness.
Now, on the fifth anniversary of his passing, the Vale of Leven Hospital’s cancer unit in Alexandria has received one of the largest donations in its history, thanks to the Emmie Smith Foundation.
Ethel nominated the unit to receive the substantial contribution in recognition of the treatment and support her husband received there, as well as the care provided to the family during a difficult period.
The £50,000 will be used to improve the unit’s facilities and enhance the experience of patients receiving treatment.
Explaining her decision, Ethel said: “When I was asked where I would like the money to go, I had no hesitation in nominating the unit here at the Vale. Walter received treatment here, so it felt fitting as a thank you for the care we received from the unit and the hospital in general.
“I’m so glad the money will be used here. We have personal experience of what the hospital does for the local community, and this donation is part of recognising that.”
The donation was formally presented to June Raines, the unit’s charge nurse, and Gerry O’Hare, a former clinical nurse specialist who cared for Smith and developed a close relationship with the Gers great and his family.
O’Hare said the contribution would provide valuable support for a service that had played such an important role in Smith’s life.
“Having worked at the Vale and knowing personally how much the unit meant to Walter and his family, it is wonderful to see such a significant donation coming back to support its patients,” he stated. “I know just how important this service is to the local community, and I’m delighted the Foundation’s generosity will help it continue to make a difference.”
The donation has been made on Ethel’s behalf through the Emmie Smith Foundation, a charity dedicated to supporting cancer services across Scotland.
Established by businessman and Rangers supporter Andy Smillie in memory of his daughter Emmie, the foundation raises funds to help improve cancer care and support patients and their families.
The latest contribution will allow the Vale of Leven unit to enhance its facilities while continuing to provide treatment close to home for people in the surrounding community.
Rebecca Reid, interim director for NHSGGC Clyde, expressed her gratitude for the donation, highlighting the importance of the hospital’s role in providing accessible local care.
She commented: “We are extremely grateful to the Emmie Smillie Foundation for this donation. Our unit is very much part of the community, and being able to provide treatment here means many patients can receive their care close to home. This £50,000 will allow us to enhance the facilities we provide and, most importantly, help make the experience of patients coming here for treatment that little bit easier.”
Smith remains one of the most respected figures in Rangers’ history, having enjoyed two successful spells as manager and helped shape one of the club’s most significant eras. Five years after his death, his legacy continues to extend beyond football.