A former Dundee footballer’s tragic story has inspired a campaign to fund a new £8m community hub in Perth.
The story of how Ross Edwards’ career was cut short by a horrific car crash has been the driving force behind the Power of Five campaign, which launches on Wednesday.
It aims to raise £100,000 towards a new £28m hub at Bertha Park.
The crash left Ross with permanent brain damage, severely impaired short-term memory and significant speech difficulties.
He requires an electric wheelchair and receives full-time specialist care.
The hub and service will help support the ongoing needs of Ross, as well as 60 other residents and 40 daytime service users of Capability Scotland‘s Upper Springfield facility.
Ailsa Wallace, Capability Scotland’s head of fundraising, 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.
“Every pound raised through the Power of Five campaign will help Ross and others like him move into a facility that provides not only cutting-edge care, but the opportunity to thrive in a truly inclusive community.”
The moment Ross’ life changed forever
Ross’ life was changed forever on the afternoon of December 13 1980.
He had been playing a match for his local team, the PPD Amateurs at Caird Park.
The promising midfielder was 21 at the time and had previously been signed by Dundee United.
But the club’s famous manager Jim McLean released him when he was 19.
Ross was giving five teammates a lift home from the amateur match when the car he was driving crashed.
The axel on his Morris 1100 had snapped on the Kingsway and the brakes had failed.
This sent the car hurling into a lamppost east of Old Glamis Road.
His teammates walked away from the accident with minor injuries.
But paramedics weren’t sure if Ross would survive after firefighters freed him from the car.
The following day’s The Sunday Post reported that the amateur footballer and engineer’s condition was “critical”.
Ross spent around nine months in an induced coma.
But he defied the odds by pulling through.
Perth community hub for disability support needs £4 million in funding
Ross is now 65 years old and lives at the Upper Springfield site.
The avid Dundee FC supporter is also a St Johnstone season ticket holder.
However, Upper Springfield is outdated and has struggled with flooding in recent years.
Dundee, St Johnstone, Brechin City, St Mirren and Jeanfield Swifts all support the Power of Five campaign.
Around 4 million in funding has already been secured for the hub.
Former Rangers and English First Division players Gordon Smith and Billy Davies are leading the Capability Scotland campaign.
Gordon said: “No one knows what lies ahead and Ross’ story shows how your life can change in an instant.
“His passion for football is clear for all to see.
“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 is 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.”
Billy added: “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.”
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