SCOUTS are backing an Inverclyde firefighter who was left with life-changing injuries by donating the proceeds from their show after discovering his son is among the cast.

Watch manager Andrew Adams, 49, was left stricken after tackling a suspicious blaze at the former Larkfield Masonic Association hall in Greenock three months ago.

His son Darren, 14, is taking part in the popular Greenock Gang Show, which starts at the Beacon Arts Centre tonight, and in a show of solidarity his fellow Scouts will hand over money from the stage extravaganza to his dad’s rehabilitation appeal.

It comes as the appeal fund set up to support Andy gets close to passing the £10,000 barrier.

The five-night run of the gang show, which takes place every two years, starts tonight and is on until Saturday.

Greenock & District Scouts have pledged to donate proceeds from their prize draw in support of Darren and his dad after the suggestion was made by the youngsters.

Peter Bennett, district commissioner, said: “The idea to support the Andrew Adams Fund came from the young people and the leaders are fully supportive of them in this choice.

“Young people nowadays can show great maturity and the care and concern they show for their fellow Scouts is reflected in their kindness towards the family of their fellow cast member.”

Hero firefighter Andy is continuing to be treated at the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital in Glasgow and is being supported by Darren, daughter Hannah, 22, and his partner of 25 years Claire Linning.

Ross Davidson, a 14-year-old Explorer Scout, said: “When we heard that the dad of one of our fellow gang show member’s family was injured in the line of duty we were really keen to do all we could to help.

“The gang show is like one big family and we hope our teamwork will pay off and raise lots of money for the appeal.”

Last week the Tele revealed how a crowdfunding appeal had been launched in a bid to raise £250,000 to help Andy.

The total is already set to run into five figures just a few days later. Among the hundreds of kind local people who have shown their support is Port Glasgow councillor Jim MacLeod, who has been in a wheelchair since he was injured after being knocked down on the Clune Brae as a schoolboy in 1969.

Mr MacLeod said: “We wish you all the very best in your recovery and rehab.

“Having had a spinal injury myself I know the hard work that is involved but you will get there Andy. All the best to you and your family.”

Morton and Aberdeen legend Joe Harper, below, has also chipped in and sent the hero firefighter a message of support.

He said: “So sorry to hear this terrible news about Andy, my thoughts are with him and his family.

“From an old Morton man.”

Tickets for the Greenock Gang Show are on sale at the Beacon before each performance of the show, from cast members or at The Cottage coffee shop in Pottery Street, Greenock.

For more information call the box office on 723723 or visit www.beaconartscentre.co.uk.

To donate to the Andy Adams Fund visit www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/Andy-Adamsfund
Alternatively visit www.paypal.me/andyadamsfund, www.facebook.com/andyadams.fund or see twitter.com/AndyAdamsfund or email andyadamsfund@gmail.com