Swim and cycle in aid of footballer

A GROUP of footballers from Nairn are swapping their boots for wet suits as they attempt an ambitious swim across the Moray Firth in aid of one of their fellow players.

Nairn County midfielder Calum Riddell was recently diagnosed with a grade four malignant brain tumour.

The 28-year-old was on honeymoon with wife Rebekah when he received the news and a fundraising campaign has been launched to help if he needs to pay for any treatment.

Now, a group of colleagues from the club, ex-teammates and friends will plunge into the Moray Firth as they attempt to swim four miles from Whiteness Point to Rosemarkie in support of Mr Riddell on September 17.

Once they reach the other side, the group will cycle 30 miles to the Westerlea Hotel in Nairn in the From Sea to Land Together We Stand challenge.

The group includes ex-County captain and current Formartine United star Wayne Mackintosh, County coaches Paul Morganti and Stuart Finnie, Mr Riddell’s Nairn team-mate and brother-in-law Jason Morganti and players who have turned out alongside Mr Riddell during his career at Station Park and with Nairn St Ninian.

Organiser Mr Mackintosh said: "I have always thought it would be a great challenge to swim across the Moray Firth. It is on our doorstep and what better cause to attempt it than in support of one of our own.

"As friends, we are all a really close bunch and I knew the boys would be keen to rally round and attempt it, even though it is a very tough challenge.

"Calum is a top bloke and all of his close mates are keen to support him and his family by showing positivity. His attitude towards this illness has been nothing but courageous and inspirational and we just want to let him know that we love him and he is not alone."

Mr Riddell said: "I am really grateful to all of the boys for their support.

"I know this is going to be a huge demand for some of them and it is really humbling that they are putting themselves through such a physical challenge to support me.

"They have put a lot of work into getting this off the ground and organising everything to ensure their safety when completing the swim and I cannot emphasise enough my gratitude to them all for coming up with this idea and agreeing to participate. I look forward to supporting them all on the day."

He added: "The support I have received from everyone has been really overwhelming. I am determined to fight this and I would like to take the opportunity to thank everyone who has contributed towards the fundraising so far – I will always be indebted."

County Director of Football Graeme Macleod said: "Calum has a strong family behind him and you can see with this challenge that his friends are really rallying round. What they are doing for him by taking on this challenge is incredible and we wish them the best of luck with it."

A gin and prosecco tasting event will also take place at the Clubhouse in Nairn on September 23 while a fundraising football match at Station Park has been pencilled in for October 8.

Sponsor the swimmers or donate to the fund: www.gofundme.com/calumriddellfund

Do you want to respond to this article? If so, click here to submit your thoughts and they may be published in print.