A FAR travelled football fan from Inverclyde paid a visit to Cappielow as part of a special cross-country charity mission.

Eddie McCluskey, who hails from Port Glasgow, planned to visit all 42 SPFL stadia when he retired.

However, after facing family tragedy, the 59-year-old brought his retirement plans forward and turned it into a fundraiser for a special cause.

The warehouse worker, currently living in Motherwell, started visiting senior football grounds at the beginning of May in aid of Alzheimer Scotland after losing loved ones to dementia.

Eddie, who lives with partner Angela, visited his home team's grounds on Sinclair Street as the final stop on the mammoth tour - and was met by family and friends congratulating him on his efforts.

He told the Tele: "I am a big football fan and had always planned to do this when I retired.

"We unfortunately have lost members of the family to dementia, so I thought it would be a great way to honour these aunts and uncles.

"It is a terrible disease, so I wanted to raise as much money as I could to help other people who are going through what we did.

"I only set out to raise £250, so can't believe I've managed to raise that plus another £1,000."

Eddie was greeted at Cappielow by family members who all still live locally, as well as relatives who travelled up from down south.

The keen footie fan was supported along the way by Amanda Kopel, the wife of late Dundee United legend Frank, when he visited the Gayfield home of Arbroath FC.

Frank suffered from dementia and Amanda is spearheading a campaign to secure free personal care for people under 65 with the condition.

Eddie told the Telegraph: "It has meant a lot being so well supported - from meeting Amanda to having my family here, including my daughters, has been great.

"Alzheimer Scotland do great work, so I'm glad to have raised so much for them."

On arrival at Cappielow, Eddie and his family were met by the club's supporters liaison officer, Stephen King, who arranged a tour of the ground.

Eddie added: "It was really special ending the visit where I grew up.

"I played on this very pitch with my school at a cup final in 1977, so it brought back fond memories.

"I'm really thankful to all of the clubs along the way for being so accommodating and helping to make it a brilliant experience."

To donate to Eddie's ongoing fundraiser, log on to justgiving.com/fundraising/eddie-mccluskey