THOUSANDS of pounds have been raised for good causes at a charity football match in memory of a Port Glasgow woman – with Celtic captain Scott Brown donating his Old Firm jersey to the cause.

John Stanton wanted to raise money for Macmillan Cancer Support in tribute to his mum Ann, who passed away six years ago, aged just 49.

The 30-year-old landscaper staged a game to also support the Multiple Sclerosis Society, because he has a friend with the condition, with a third of the money raised going to the Celtic FC Foundation charity.

Celtic loaned strips for the match, which involved two squads of 20 plus two managers, pictured right, all of whom donated £75 to take part.

Former Scotland skipper Brown generously donated his jersey from the recent 5-1 victory over Rangers to be auctioned.

John, who plays for Port Glasgow Amateurs, had previously collected £2,400 for Macmillan at a charity night.

He said: “I’m a lifelong Celtic fan, so I thought I would take a chance and ask them if we could get Celtic Park for the match.

“Sadly they couldn’t make it available, but the foundation got in touch to say they would be glad to help with strips.

“The fact Celtic were involved and helped me tremendously was amazing, and we were really grateful to Scott Brown for the jersey which is being auctioned on eBay.”

John said his dad, John Snr, and brothers Paul, who played for Port Glasgow Juniors, and Jamie would always be grateful to Macmillan for the help they gave the family when Ann was ill.

John, of Clune Brae, said: “They were fantastic and kept in touch after my mum passed away, giving us counselling and showing a lot of interest. That meant a great deal to all of our family.

“We want to do what we can to show our thanks to them.”

The family were delighted that around 200 spectators went along to the match at Parklea.

John said: “I was captain of the home team and Paul was captain of the away team.

“The game was refereed by local man Brian McNelis and played in great spirits. Paul’s team won 5-1.

“It was a very emotional day for all who attended. I just wanted to give everyone a day to remember my mum and make them smile.”

More than £3,200 has been raised so far, with the jersey money still to come.

John said: “The whole day was fantastic, and what made it better for me was to see how proud my dad John was, smiling from ear to ear the whole day.

“Our mum was our world, and we wanted a day where we could all remember her in a great way.”

John now plans to make the match an annual event, with teams competing for the Ann Stanton Memorial Cup.