GREENOCK Wanderers are hoping to do scrum-thing special by holding a charity fixture in support of a courageous local dad living with an incurable illness.

The Fort Matilda club are holding a special match against their rivals Cartha Queen's Park next Saturday to raise funds for Danny Toner, a Greenock dad-of-two who is battling Motor Neurone Disease (MND).

The Wanderers were approached by a club member and friend of the brave local man who asked if they could support Danny’s family and friends in their efforts to raise funds for MND Scotland.

The club happily agreed and have now planned a full afternoon of entertainment next Saturday, which will include a range of raffles, games and stalls as well as the charity match.

Greenock Telegraph: Greenock Wanderers were in touching distance of securing a vital victory over Cartha Queen’s Park at Fort Matilda. Picture by Campbell Skinner.

They are asking Inverclyde locals to come along to the fixture and support the worthy cause.

Greenock Wanderers’ director of men’s rugby, John Dyer, told the Telegraph that Danny’s story had touched club members, who had been keen to help out.

He highlighted the legacy of legendary Scottish rugby player and MND fundraiser Doddie Weir, who passed away in 2022 after a six-year battle with the disease.

He added: “A club member came to us and told us about Danny’s situation, and we got the authority of Danny’s parents to arrange this.

“We want as many people to know about it as possible and to come along and donate and support this event.

“There’s going to be food and stalls, all those kinds of things, the club members and our players are really putting in an effort to support it.

“We’re playing against our local rivals Cartha who have kindly agreed to help us achieve this.

“Scottish Rugby lost one of their own just a few years ago in Doddie Weir, who raised millions for MND research so we’re again very pleased to support this cause.”

John says that the club believe events like this are chance to give back to and support the local community as the game continues to grow in Inverclyde.

He added: “It’s a new thing for us to be asked to run things like this and I think that’s because rugby has been expanding so much in Inverclyde, particularly through the ladies and the younger sections.

“We’re always keen to help out in the community.

“If there’s anyone interested in the game of rugby who maybe can’t afford to get to Fort Matilda or can’t get a pair of boots, we can help them out confidentially.

“In instances like this, we’re proud to do our part.

“We were delighted that our player who is friends with Danny turned to us in the assurance that we would help out and we’re glad to offer our support.

“We’ll have a huge squad of players there, these matches always attract a lot of people who want to help.

“Some of our 'Old Crocks' games can see about 50 players turn up, everyone will get a game and they’ll all be contributing to the stalls.

“It’ll be a good day for a good cause.”