Fernando Ricksen Says Fundraiser Will Be His 'Final Night' In Heartbreaking Video
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Former Rangers player Fernando Ricksen posted a heartbreaking video on social media to say his appearance at 'An Evening With Fernando Ricksen' will be his 'final night' in public.
Ricksen, who played for Rangers between 2000 and 2006, has been battling with motor neurone disease for the past six years and posted the video from his bed at St Andrew's Hospice, Airdrie.
The 42 year old needed the help of a computer to speak but, talking about his fundraiser, said, "Hello. I'm having a special night on the 28th.
"Since it's getting very difficult for me, this will be my final night. Come and make this a night to remember. Hopefully see you soon, Fernando."
With a heavy heart I post this lets make this a special night for Fernando pic.twitter.com/C8octfW8NU
- Ricksen my friend/pauline (@broxi63) June 9, 2019
The two time Scottish Premier League winner has been raising money for MND charities since he was diagnosed and his final public appearance will be no different.
MND is a disease that affects the brain and nerve system and it gets worse over time. There is no cure for it, though some people do live with it for many years.
The event, at GoGlasgow Urban Hotel, costs £70 and TV football host David Tanner, ex-Rangers centre-back Marvin Andrews, comedian Dee Maxwell and singer Lynsey Glen will all appear, alongwith Ricksen.
Fans took to social media to support the former Dutch international:
There only one Fernando Ricksen . No colours no rivalry - only love from one human being to another . RT pls :heart: https://t.co/jE9pAyewEm
- CelticFC_HQ :four_leaf_clover: (@Celtic_HQ1) June 9, 2019
God bless this man and his family, heroic battle with that rotten disease, your battle will never be forgotten #FernandoRicksen https://t.co/HHbDKiZhiw
- Maka Motherwell:tm: (@makamotherwell) June 9, 2019
Very sad and heartbreaking to watch....But also inspirational in the sense that This Man, This Warrior, This Gladiator has not laid down to this monstrous disease from his diagnosis in 2013
No rivalry should stop anyone from paying tribute to Fernando Ricksen
Stay Strong :four_leaf_clover::flag_ie::four_leaf_clover: https://t.co/QCtzCG0E0f
- McCrory จิมมี่ (@JimmyBhoy22) June 9, 2019
:pray: hurts to see someone so young like this keep fighting man :pray:
- Patrick6788 (@Patrick57656803) June 9, 2019
Heartbreaking to see. Keep fighting Fernando!
- Craig Dickson (@Hawfa) June 9, 2019
Absolutely heartbreaking, what a guy, stay strong :heart:
- :flag_black:fairsocietyforall (@cal_ann) June 9, 2019
Truly heart breaking to see the Great man like this but he remains a true warrior. God bless Fernando, keep fighting.
- Colin Campbell (@ColinCa75285912) June 9, 2019
Courage doesn't come easily to all men. You have it in buckets Fernando. No surrender hero! God bless.
- Uncle Albeartz (@skoosh1) June 9, 2019
It's such a hard watch such a fighter Fernando you are a legend and will always be its heartbreaking :red_circle::white_circle::large_blue_circle::heart:
- Brian Urquhart (@Brurfc1981) June 9, 2019
Warrior... Leader.... Captain... Legend! :pray::muscle::heart::white_circle::large_blue_circle:
- R. Ewings Jnr :flag_gb: (@EwingsRichard) June 9, 2019
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