The family of tragic Dunblane teen Murray Dowey have expressed their gratitude after a charity football match at the home of his beloved Stirling Albion pulled in an incredible £18,000 towards mental health projects at the weekend.
The charity effort – dubbed ‘Murray’s Match’ – was held at Forthbank Stadium in Sunday and included family and friends as well as a number of Binos stars and Scotland rugby internationals.
Murray tragically took his own life in December 2023 after he was targeted online in an sextortion scam. The 16-year-old was contacted on Instagram by someone claiming to be a young girl who asked him to send an explicit photo of himself before blackmailing him with it.
The match, held on Sunday, took place just a day before what would have been Murray’s 17th birthday.
The event saw 1,000 supporters come together to raise vital funds for Back Onside, The Scott Martin Foundation, and Stirling Albion’s youth mental health programme.
Murray’s family and friends were overwhelmed by the turnout and support, with his proud mum Ros Dowey expressing her deep gratitude. She said: “Seeing so many people come together to celebrate Murray’s life and support such an important cause means the world to us.
“We’re so grateful for the time and hard work that so many people have put in to make the day happen.
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“I know Murray would be incredibly touched by the love and generosity shown today.
“This event not only honours his memory but will help make a difference in the lives of young people struggling with their mental health, and that’s something he would be so proud of.”
Stirling Albion skipper Ross McGeachie was among those giving the event their backing. He added: “It was an honour to be involved in Murray’s Match. Seeing the community come together for such an important cause was incredibly moving. I think Murray would be delighted with what we accomplished here today.”
The soccer-aid style match featured a star-studded line-up, with professional footballers and rugby players playing alongside Murray’s family and friends, including Murray’s dad, Mark, and younger brother Evan.
Notable pro players taking part included Scotland rugby internationalist Duncan Weir, as well as Stirling Albion’s Ross McGeachie and Cameron McKinley. Former Dunblane High pupil and Dundee United midfielder Lewis O’Donnell also delighted the crowd with his performance.
To donate to the effort, you can go to the online fundraiser and make a pledge. To donate, click here.
- See Wednesday’s edition of the Stirling Observer for full coverage and photos.