One footballer’s tragedy sparks inspiring campaign
LIFE can change in an instant; a simple change of plans saw 21-year-old Ross Edwards play what would become his final football match.
In December 1980, the promising midfield starlet – once signed by Dundee United under Jim McLean – was playing for his local team PPD Amateurs at Caird Park in Dundee.
However, just hours after the final whistle, a change of plans meant Ross would be involved in a devastating car accident that would transform his life forever. Whilst giving five of his teammates a lift home, the axel on Ross’ car snapped, careering his Morris 1100 into a lamppost.
Paramedics didn’t expect Ross to survive the head-on impact but against all the odds he did, though he was left with permanent brain damage, severely impaired short-term memory and speech, requiring an electric wheelchair and full-time specialist care.
Ross, now 65, 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 is burning brighter than ever.
Now, Ross’ story is inspiring a movement that is set to transform the lives of others. ‘The Power of Five’ campaign for Capability Scotland, which aims to raise £100k towards a new community centre in Perth.
Football greats Gordon Smith and Billy Davies are spearheading the campaign, after learning of Ross’ story and hope that others would be inspired by his resilience.
Smith, who played for Kilmarnock, Rangers, Brighton, and Manchester City, said: “No one knows what lies ahead, Ross’ story shows how your life can change in an instance.
“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 70’s, 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.”
The Power of Five 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 enjoyed a distinguished career as a player with Rangers, St Mirren, Dunfermline, Leicester City, and Motherwell before managing clubs like Derby County, Motherwell, Preston North End and Nottingham Forest, added: “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.”
On February 5, the campaign will launch with support from five football clubs – St. Mirren, Dundee, Dundee United, Brechin, and Jeanfield Swifts.
Plans are already underway to create the new Our Inclusive Community Project (OICP) facility – a fully accessible, state-of-the-art campus that will empower residents to lead enriched, independent lives.
To help fund the OICP’s vital community hub the Power of Five Campaign aims to raise £100,000.
The hub, which has an estimated cost of £8 million, will offer residents and day service users greater opportunities to connect with the local community. With over £4 million secured to date, the Power of Five aims to reduce the funding gap even further.
Ailsa Wallace, Head of Fundraising and Communications at Capability Scotland, said: “Ross is living proof that even when life changes in an instant, the human spirit can achieve incredible things.
“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.
“You can be part of something extraordinary, whether its donating as an individual or as a team. 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.”
Notably, well-known Scottish brand Tunnock’s has already committed their support through a generous donation, demonstrating the power of community solidarity to achieve the fundraising goal.
The Power of Five campaign offers a number of different ways to pledge support, from a one-off donation, to a pledge over one to three years by individuals or as a team of up to five, with those who donate receiving quarterly updates and medals for multi-year pledges.
Capability Scotland has a proud history of delivering exceptional care for over 75 years. The OICP at Bertha Park represents a rare, once-in-a-generation opportunity to set a new standard in inclusive care – one that could serve as a model for other communities across Scotland and beyond.
For more information on how to support the Power of Five campaign visit: https://www.capability.scot/support/power-of-five
