Rangers to hold MND fundraiser in memory of Fernando Ricksen

The footballing world has been in mourning after the death of the Ibrox legend, following his six-year battle with the debilitating disease.

Hundreds of flags, scarves, tops and flowers have been left outside the Rangers stadium after the 43-year-old's passing on Wednesday.

Now, the Rangers Charity Foundation have joined forces with MND Scotland to hold a bucket collection in his memory ahead of the Scottish Premiership clash with Aberdeen at Ibrox on Saturday.

Fernando Ricksen passed away after a six-year MND battle

READ MORE: Fernando Ricksen's mother Anneke 'will not be able to attend funeral' of Rangers legend

MND Scotland’s chief executive, Craig Stockton, said: "We were deeply saddened to hear that Fernando Ricksen lost his courageous battle with Motor Neurone Disease.

"Fernando’s bravery in sharing both his shocking diagnosis and his life with MND has been inspirational.

"He raised so much awareness of the illness, particularly through his documentary and from the Rangers Tribute Match in January 2015 which raised over £80,000 for MND Scotland.

"Fernando shows us that MND can affect anyone, at any point in their lives, and that’s why it is so important for us to find a cure so that nobody has to go through this cruel illness ever again.

“We’re enormously grateful to the Rangers Charity Foundation for giving MND Scotland the opportunity to raise money at Ibrox in his memory."

Tributes to Fernando Ricksen outside Ibrox

READ MORE: Heartbreaking final message to Fernando Ricksen from loving daughter Isabella revealed

The charity are now looking for 40 volunteers to help raise money outside the stadium before kick-off.

Anyone interested is asked to email this address before Wednesday, September 25.

Rangers Charity Foundation Director, Connal Cochrane, added: "Everyone at the Rangers Charity Foundation feels extremely saddened about Fernando’s passing earlier this week.

"We have a longstanding relationship with MND Scotland, which saw us come together four years ago in a charity match for Fernando, and we are proud to be able to support this important cause once again.

Tributes have been paid to Rangers legend Fernando Ricksen

READ MORE: Fernando Ricksen's funeral procession to travel past Ibrox Stadium

"We know that Fernando also received excellent care during his time at St Andrew’s Hospice, which received a £9,000 donation from the Foundation earlier this season via our Race Night fundraiser.

"Everyone connected to the Rangers Family will miss Fernando greatly and we hope that supporters will join us in sharing his memory as a force for good."

Anyone who would like to make a donation, but cannot make it on match day, is urged to text CUREMND to 70660 to donate £5.