A footballer left in a wheelchair after a horrific car crash as a rising star is helping legendary players drive a new campaign for disability support.
Ross Edwards was just 21 and a promising midfield starlet who had been signed by Dundee United under Jim McLean when his life changed forever.
Unaware he had just played his last ever match, Ross’ Morris 1100 careered into a lamppost when the axle snapped while giving five of his mates a lift home in December 1980.
Ross, who had been playing for his local team PPD Amateurs at Caird Park in Dundee, battled to survive but was left with permanent brain damage and severely impaired short-term memory and speech, requiring a wheelchair and full-time specialist care.
Now 65, he is joining football greats Gordon Smith and Billy Davies in driving The Power of Five campaign for Capability Scotland, which aims to raise £100k towards a new community centre in Perth.
Smith, who played for Kilmarnock, Rangers, Brighton, and Manchester City, said: “Ross’ story shows how your life can change in an instance. No one knows what lies ahead.
“I’ve had the pleasure of meeting Ross on a few occasions now. His passion for football is clear for all to see, however the reality is that he can recall a game I played in the 70s, but not the match that was on yesterday.
“The Power of Five isn’t just about fundraising; it’s about rallying fans and members of the community to support something truly special – a place where individuals like Ross can live with dignity and joy.”
Ross lives at Capability Scotland’s Upper Springland facility in Perth, and despite being an avid Dundee fan, now holds a season ticket for St Johnstone FC, where his passion for football continues.
The campaign seeks to raise funds to support Ross and 60 other residents and daytime service users who require a new facility to support their on-going needs.
Davies, who played for Rangers, St Mirren, Dunfermline, Leicester City and Motherwell before managing clubs like Derby County, Motherwell, Preston North End and Nottingham Forest, said: “As someone who’s seen the transformative power of sport, I’m honoured to support this initiative.
“Ross’ dedication to football and to creating community is inspiring, and it’s up to all of us to ensure that his fight for a better future has a lasting impact.
“The Power of Five campaign is a chance to make a real difference, and I encourage everyone to get involved.”
The campaign launched with support from five clubs – St. Mirren, Dundee, Dundee United, Brechin, and Jeanfield Swifts.
Plans are already underway to create the new Our Inclusive Community Project facility but the hub, which has an estimated cost of £8 million. Over £4 million has so far been secured for the project.
Ailsa Wallace, Head of Fundraising and Communications at Capability Scotland, said: “Our campaign asks communities across Scotland to rally together and make the dream of a world-class care facility for disabled individuals like Ross a reality.”
For more information on how to support the Power of Five campaign visit www.capability.scot/support/power-of-five
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