A man whose promising football career was cut short by a brain injury is fronting a campaign for an £8m Perth facility to help people like him.
At the age of 21, Ross Edwards was a promising young footballer with his whole career ahead of him.
But on the way home from a match in 1980, a devastating car crash left him with permanent brain damage.
Ross, now 65, lives at the Upper Springland facility in Perth, a specialist centre that allows its 60 residents to live as independently as they can.
Supplied“After Covid, he was very socially isolated. That has changed quite dramatically since he’s come here, and I think that he started to enjoy life again,” explained Ross’ brother Scott Edwards.
“He is into arts and drama – he has performed in the local show here at the pantomime.”
But both hope he could be moving soon, with Ross fronting a fundraising campaign for a new community hub in Perth, offering specialist supported living for people like him.
“The site that we’re looking at for the new development is integrated into a community,” said Ailsa Wallace, Capability Scotland’s head of fundraising. “Unlike Upper Springland at the moment, which is on the outskirts of Perth.
STV News“So it will offer the opportunity for more community integration.
“But more than that, the homes that we’re going to build will be fit for 21st century living and enable the people that we support to access better care due to that environment.”
Charity Capability Scotland are more than halfway to the £8m needed, and through the power of football, it hopes to bridge the gap further.
Ross’ story has inspired clubs of all colours and stripes to come together for what’s been called the Power of Five campaign.
St Johnstone, Dundee, Dundee United, Brechin, and Jeanfield Swifts have already pledged their support.
Football greats Gordon Smith and Billy Davies are spearheading the campaign after learning of Ross’ story, hoping that others would be inspired by his resilience.
“I’ve had the pleasure of meeting Ross on a few occasions now; his passion for football is clear for all to see,” said Gordon.
STV News“However, the reality is that he can recall a game I played in the 70s, but not the match that was on yesterday.
“The Power of Five isn’t just about fundraising; it’s about rallying fans and members of the community to support something truly special—a place where individuals like Ross can live with dignity and joy.”
The innitiative aims to raise £100,000 towards the new community centre in Perth.
“Once I heard about the facility situation and Capability Scotland and looked at the work they and Ross were doing, I was absolutely delighted to join this campaign, and I will do everything I can to help,” added Billy.
“I’ve got to say, meeting this man was an absolute pleasure.
STV News“Despite what he has been through, his personality and character, it’s such a wonderful thing to see how bright and how energetic and smiling and fantastic Ross is.”
Those behind the new facility say it will set a new standard in inclusive care meaning Ross and Scott can spend more time doing what brothers do.
“I would say for somebody like Ross, it’s critical in terms of his general mental wellbeing and just to be able to cope with everyday life,” said Scott.
“Otherwise, I think it’d be a lot of closed doors and a very limited life.
“This kind of place opens all these doors for him.”
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