A lifelong Carlisle United fan is putting a signed Blues shirt up for grabs – to raise money for a cause close to his heart.
David Gale hopes the raffle for a signed United away shirt will raise funds for Muscular Dystrophy UK.
David, 37, suffers from a form of the condition and has been involved with the charity for a number of years.
The club provided him with a signed shirt in order to help the charity – and it is appropriate that it is the orange away jersey, as orange is the official colour of Muscular Dystrophy UK.
David hopes his fellow Blues will support the cause by buying a raffle ticket for £5 in order to stand a chance of winning the shirt.
David, who lives in Templand, Dumfries & Galloway, said: “I am a Carlisle lad through and through.
“I’ve been a season-ticket holder pretty much every year since 1993, and have been up and down the country following us.
“I have one of the forms of the condition, called Becker Muscular Dystrophy.
“This hasn’t stopped me being a very active supporter over the years, being at and witnessing many great games and occasions, even though it takes quite a physical toll on me.
“Due to the progression of the condition [going to games] was starting to get a little bit more difficult and, due to shielding and the travel ban [in Scotland] I haven’t been to a live game since our win against Newport last March.”
David, a civil servant, has embarked on many previous campaigns for Muscular Dystrophy UK.
His efforts have been recognised with a number of awards over the years, including the Muscular Dystrophy Campaigner of the year and The Muscular Dystrophy Scotland Saltire award.
He was also named volunteer of the year at the Diverse Cumbria awards in 2016.
The muscular dystrophies are a group of genetic conditions that gradually cause the muscles to weaken, leading to an increased level of disability.
There is no cure for MD but treatment can help to manage many of the symptoms.
David says the charity is a lifeline for more than 70,000 children and adults who live with severe muscle-wasting conditions.
“The work of the charity has been under immense pressure due to the Covid-19 pandemic, seeing the Muscular Dystrophy UK’s helpline supporting its 1,000th caller this year,” he added.
“Many planned fundraising events have sadly been cancelled or postponed due to the pandemic, adding pressure and uncertainty to the crucial research projects the charity helps to fund.
“Any support would be greatly appreciated.”
David said he will be arranging a draw for the signed United shirt in a few weeks’ time.
To buy a ticket or donate, visit: https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/david-gale8
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