A group of nearly 70 individuals recently embarked on a 13-mile walk from Craigneuk to Celtic Park in honour of the late Lisbon Lion, Tommy Gemmell. The walk was organised to raise funds for the Tommy Gemmell Community Project, which aims to erect a statue of Gemmell in Wishaw, his hometown. The walk coincided with what would have been Gemmell’s 81st birthday, with participants passing by the statues of his former Celtic and Scotland teammates, Billy McNeill and Jimmy Johnstone, along the route.
Committee member Ann Frances Murray commended the walkers for their dedication and spirit during the event, which was named “From Craigneuk to Celtic Park – Let’s Follow in Tommy’s Footsteps”. Participants of all ages, including a two-month-old baby and a 79-year-old individual, took part in the walk, with Gemmell’s wife Mary expressing her emotional gratitude for the show of support. According to Murray, the walk symbolised not just the erection of a statue but also the spirit of community that Gemmell embodied.
The Tommy Gemmell Community Project, with a fundraising target of £60,000, has already made significant progress towards its goal. Gemmell, who played over 430 games for Celtic and scored 69 goals in all competitions, made a lasting impact in both football and the community. After his time with Celtic, he went on to play for Nottingham Forest and Dundee before managing teams such as Dundee and Albion Rovers. Gemmell passed away in 2017 at the age of 73, leaving behind a legacy that continues to inspire and unite communities.
To learn more about the charity and its fundraising efforts, visit www.tommygemmellcp.co.uk. The walk from Craigneuk to Celtic Park not only honoured a football legend but also showcased the power of community support and camaraderie in preserving the memory of individuals who have made a lasting impact in their localities.