Football legend surprises Sunderland fan in hospice

Former Scotland international player Steven Caldwell surprised a patient at Strathcarron Hospice this week with a video message following a special request from staff.

- KAIYA MARJORIBANKS

When Albert Newton, known to friends and family as 'Eddie' shared with staff details about his life, including that he was a huge Sunderland FC fan, hospice team member Katy Whitelaw reached out to a childhood friend - former Scotland international and Sunderland FC defender Steven Caldwell - to ask if he could send Eddie a special message.

Steven, who grew up in Stirling but now lives in Canada, was happy to help and surprise Eddie.

Steven said: "Having lived locally I am aware of the incredible work that Strathcarron Hospice does.

"It was my pleasure to help create this special surprise for Eddie and it's great to hear it has brought him some happiness.

"Sunderland FC is a club that is still close to my heart. I loved my time there and the fans are brilliant."

Eddie's nephew Ian Renton said: "This was brilliant of the hospice to help arrange this for Eddie. He really appreciated it.

"Big thank you to Stevie for this - I still remember his goal against Leicester that got us promoted in 2005!"