CLASSY TOUCH
Rangers boss Gerrard sponsors charity match for young Celtic fan battling cancer, with Tierney sending touching message
KIND-HEARTED Steven Gerrard sponsored a charity match to help raise funds for a young Celtic fan fighting brain cancer.
Glasgow teenager Daniel Caplan, 17, was recently diagnosed with a rare brain tumour known as DMG. There is currently no cure.
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A fund-raising game took place at Hamilton's Fountain of Youth stadium on Saturday, with virtual streaming tickets costing £5 and all money going to charity.
And boss Gerrard offered to supply all the water from Angel Revive, where he is ambassador, as he sent a classy message of support to the youngster.
In a short video, he said: “I want to give a special mention to Daniel. I know you have had a tough time of late and you have spent some time in hospital so I want to send you some love and support.
“I hope you have a good day. I also want to say how proud I am that Angel Revive are going to sponsor the event and provide all the water, which makes me feel really good.
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“Thirdly, I hope the match got well and you all have a fantastic evening at the event. All the best.”
Former Celtic star Kieran Tierney also got in touch with Daniel before the game.
The Arsenal and Scotland defender said: "Just like to say, you are in my thoughts and in my prayers.
"I hope you are staying strong and positive always. Keep up the good fight. The charity match going ahead this week is for a great cause and I hope everyone taking part has a great day."
Daniel, from Newton Mearns, faces a brave battle with no known treatments for the diagnosis as things stand.
Daniel's family are currently raising money with the support of Funding Neuro and hope there will be opportunities for trials in the near future.
Daniel celebrated his 17th birthday in May and Hoops boss Neil Lennon and club captain Scott Brown sent their best wishes to the youngster in a video message.
Rangers legend Graeme Souness and boxing superstar Tyson Fury also sent their support to the youngster.
Celtic hero Frank McAvennie coached one of the teams in Saturday's match and also appeared as a guest speaker along with Ibrox legend Willie Henderson at a fund-raising dinner at night.
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There was a raffle and silent auction with fantastic prizes such as a signed Celtic and Rangers top and an Ibrox tour for four people and the family hope to have raised around £50,000 from the event.
Daniel's father Brian, along with wife Alison and son Saul, organised the match through the help of family, friends and senior chiefs at Hamilton.
He said: "We brought the idea from the kids talking about a football game into the masterplan that was executed on Saturday in terms of the game going on, the referee and organisation and strips. It was a proper game of football.
"It was on pay-per-view and I think around 900 logged in to it and paid the £5 for it so that was more money for charity which was great.
"It was all in aid of finding a solution for my boy Daniel who was diagnosed with this condition which is very challenging.
"I played in it and lasted 13 minutes before I hobbled off with a hamstring injury! But I enjoyed my 13 minutes of fame.
"I used to play quite a lot of football but I've not played in years and my legs couldn't handle it.
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"The boys had a brilliant time. The score was 5-3 and Daniel handed out the Man of the Match award and everyone got their medals.
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"And Daniel watched the game along with my wife and my mum and dad so it was an emotional time really.
"The main goal is to get something workable. As a family we've got to look outside the box."
**You can donate to help Daniel's family raise money .
Celtic and Rangers legends unite with sporting heroes to send best wishes to young Hoops fan suffering from cancer
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