RSEA Background

Rangers Supporters Erskine Appeal (RSEA) has hit the back of the net after raising £1 million for Scotland’s biggest Veteran’s charity. RSEA, the brainchild of Gers fan Bro. Tom Clark PM 426, was launched in 2007 in an effort to raise vital funds for Erskine’s specialist care of Veterans and their families.

The group have since contributed to countless projects for residents living in Erskine’ s four care homes, including a Sporting Memories room, Reminiscence room, Namaste room and Bridge Activities room.

Their tireless fundraising efforts were initially born out of selling badges and a sponsored walk. But over the years, vital funds have been raised through high-flying exploits on sponsored zip slides and abseils, as well as football tournaments, golf days, Northern Soul nights and sportsman dinners.

On their way to the £1 million milestone, RSEA have also aided the crucial purchase of lifting aids and an assisted bath, refurbishment of the physiotherapy department in The Erskine Home, weekly aromatherapy sessions; the Centenary Garden and pathway, the Playlist for Life music project, weekly music therapy sessions, and most recently a hybrid vehicle.

RSEA Secretary Tom Clark said: “To reach over £1,000,000 for the Erskine Veterans has been a labour of love and I am delighted we have now passed this milestone. To every single person who has donated a pound or given an hour of their time, thank you. Without them, we wouldn’t exist or have achieved what we have. Massive gratitude and thanks also goes to our Honorary President, the late Harold Davis, and his wife Vi.”

In 2010 Tom was contacted by Murray Roxburgh who is the Director of Grail PR.Murray offered Tom his expertise and advice in event management and fundraising, all free of charge which saw the RSEA's profile and donations to Erskine soar. Gordon Smith, a Rangers Supporters Erskine Appeal patron since 2013, has just been confirmed as the RSEA’ s new president, as outlined in release quotes. His grandfather served in the Army during the First World War at Gallipoli and then the Battle of the Somme.

Ian Cumming MBE, Erskine Chief Executive, said: “Raising more than a £1 million pounds for any charity takes extraordinary motivation, focus and stamina. Everyone at Erskine is enormously grateful to the Rangers Supporters Erskine Appeal for their innovation, energy and resolve in exceeding this target and their generosity over the years, has made a world of difference to the lives of Scotland’ s wartime heroes.”

Below is Brian Laudrup Rangers FC with Gordon unveiling ‘Harry’ which was presented to Erskine to commemorate their 100th Anniversary in 2016 by the RSEA.