WORLD famous jockey Sir AP McCoy helped raised almost £100,000 for needy children at a charity event sponsored by a Greenock company.

PG Paper of the Custom House back the Action for Children Scotland Sports Dinner and more than 500 sports fans gathered for this year’s event.

It raised over £91,000 in aid of children, young people and families in Scotland, bringing the total raised since the dinner first launched to almost £550,000.

PG Paper have been the sole sponsor of the event since 2009.
The company’s chief operating officer, Puneet Gupta, said it had been a real honour to back the dinner again.

He said: “Over the last seven years we have helped the charity raise a significant amount of money, and this year has been no different. 

“Action for Children does incredible work across Scotland and, year-on-year, this event continues to raise vital funds for those who need it the most.”

Puneet added: “AP McCoy really is a true sporting hero whose dedication makes him an inspiration to all, and it was a privilege to have him contribute to the success of the night.”

AP shared stories from his celebrated career in an interview with sports pundit Peter Martin, talking about its extraordinary highs and lows plus the challenges he had to overcome because of injuries.

Other guests included Rangers legends Ally McCoist and Mark Hateley, MSPs Humza Yousaf and Anas Sarwar and former SFA chief executive Gordon Smith.

Paul Carberry, director of children’s services at Action for Children Scotland, said: “It was a great honour to have AP McCoy join us – giving fans the opportunity to hear a true sporting legend tell the story of a remarkable career.

“Action for Children Scotland support the country’s most disadvantaged children, young people and families through a variety of services and we are very grateful to the committee for its hard work and dedication in making the event the success that it is.”

Previous guests at the sports dinner have included snooker star Steve Davis, boxers Frank Bruno and Joe Calzaghe and former Scotland football manager Craig Brown.