Allie MacKenzie was a big character in Inverness and his many friends and colleagues straddled both the business and football fraternities. It was Allie’s wish to bring together the two Highland SPFL football clubs to raise funds and increase awareness of the important rolls undertaken by the Highland Hospice and Macmillan Cancer Support, two charities who’s work amazed him and played a sizeable role in the latter part of his life.
Allie MacKenzie Memorial Match
Inverness CT v Ross County Legends
Sunday 24th July : 2pm kick-off
Tulloch Caledonian Stadium
Teams from Inverness Caledonian Thistle FC and Ross County FC will take part in the memorial match, with each club fielding their ‘Legends’. John Docherty will be in charge of the Caley Jags and Bobby Wilson will head up the Staggies. The British Legion Pipe Band will also perform at the match.
A Gala Dinner will also take place on Saturday 29th October 2016 at the Kingsmills Hotel. This is the first time that both football clubs have supported a joint dinner and they are delighted to assist in raising further funds and awareness for Allie’s chosen charities. Tickets are priced at £80.00 per person and places can be booked by contacting Katie Gibb on 01463 227907 or K.Gibb@highlandhospice.org.uk.
Kenny Cameron, ICTFC Chairman, said: “We encourage the fans of both Clubs to come out in their numbers in support of their respective “Legends” and, more importantly, to assist in raising funds and awareness for the charities which were very close to Allie’s heart and provided such wonderful care for him.”
Roy MacGregor, RCFC Chairman said: “I knew Allie well and he will be much missed by all who were fortunate enough to have met him. As a club we are delighted to support – along with our neighbours from over the Kessock Bridge – a fantastic event that brings together Ross County and Inverness Caledonian Thistle legends and supporters in aid of two fantastic causes. I urge as many of you as possible to attend the match and dinner so that the Highland Hospice and Macmillan may benefit and be able to offer their support to others as they did to Allie and his family. That would be a wonderful tribute to Allie.”
Entry to the match is by donation, with a minimum suggestion of £5 for Adults and £3 for Kids. Entry will be via the ICTFC Family Sports Bar located at the south end of the main stand. All funds raised will be split between Highland Hospice and Macmillan Cancer Support.
Katie Gibb, Highland Hospice, said: “We are delighted and honoured to be remembering a very special man through these wonderful events. As we move to the end of our Project Build Appeal to rebuild our Inpatient Unit, the significance of the match and dinner will touch the hearts of many. I would urge anyone who knew Allie or has an interest in football, to come along and show their support to Allie’s family, Highland Hospice and Macmillan.”
Christina Brockman-More, Macmillan Cancer Support, said: “It’s an honour to be working so closely with one of the most loved charities in the Highlands, and our 2 local football clubs. Opportunities like this don’t come along often so I want to extend a heartfelt thank you to the MacKenzie family for choosing Macmillan as one of the beneficiary charities and to everyone working together to make sure both the match and dinner are a success. I hope both events are well supported and are a fitting tribute to Allie”