St Johnstone back Santa Stroll

Dec 4 2009 by Les Stewart, Perthshire Advertiser Friday

ST Johnstone are supporting long-time fan Drew Falconer as he limbers up for a charity fund-raiser round Perth’s North Inch on Sunday.

Drew is organising a sponsored walk – 'OK for 5K' – to help raise cash for the British Heart Foundation (BHF).

The Santa Stroll will involve participants completing three laps of the Inch, starting at 11.30am from Bell’s Sports Centre.

The money raised will help provide more BHF nurses to support patients and families suffering from heart disease.

Drew, who is charity champion at Scottish Widows in Edinburgh, said yesterday: “I’m delighted St Johnstone manager Derek McInnes and the players are lending their support to this very worthwhile cause.

“Heart disease is the UK’s single biggest killer and touches the lives of many people, either directly or indirectly, at some time.

“We want to play our part in helping the BHF support and care for all those affected.”

The event is part of a two-year fund-raising campaign with the BHF, Lloyds Banking Group’s charity of the year.

The campaign, which hopes to raise £2 million, will see staff at the bank’s offices and branches in the UK raising cash to fund 15 BHF heart nurses.

So far they have raised enough for 12 nurses, including one in Dundee.

Drew has been a life-long Saints’ fan, ever since his late father took him to matches at Muirton Park.

The season ticket holder continued to follow his side when they moved to McDiarmid Park and he has welcomed the Perth club’s involvement in his charity fund-raiser.

Local SNP MP Pete Wishart has also to start the event – and also take part as well.

Drew will welcome anyone who wants to take part and they should just turn up on the day.

For details and sponsor forms, they can also contact Drew on 01738 441541.