27-05-2025
Highland League midfielder Callan Gray's second charity game for late cousin will aid Crimond and Aberdeen mental health causes
Callan Gray wants to ensure his late cousin Preston Casey-Turnbull is never forgotten as the new Fraserburgh midfielder prepares for the second charity match in his memory.
Last year Gray and his family organised a game to honour Preston – who died aged 14 in May 2023 – and raised more than £8,000 for charity.
On Saturday another match is being staged at Buchanhaven Hearts' Raemoss Park with kick-off at 3pm.
Admission is free, but there will be donation buckets for anyone who wishes to contribute.
There are also a selection of raffle prizes including a signed Aberdeen shirt, hospitality for four at a Fraserburgh home game and a Rangers stadium tour hamper.
As well as the game, Gray's cousin Mikie Leel is going to be taking part in a skydive in St Andrews on July 28 to raise funds.
The proceeds from the match and the skydive are to be donated to Crimond-based mental health charity Shirley's Space and ACIS Youth, a mental health charity in Aberdeen.
Fraserburgh midfielder Gray said: 'Last year was really good and we raised a lot of money.
'We're not expecting to get close to last year's amount, but I think the reason for doing it this year is to keep Preston's name alive.
'Anything we can raise for the charities is great, but a big part of doing it is to make sure Preston's never forgotten.
'Mental health is being spoken about more, but I still think a lot of people feel uneasy or uncomfortable speaking about.
'So even if we can help in that regard with raising awareness and trying to make it easier for people then that would be great.
'It's good to be able to do this and raise some money and potentially help folk who might be in the same situation as Preston.
'When you've been through it with someone you're close to and you see how it effects a whole family, if you can raise money which might help other people and help other families not to have to go through that then it's a good thing.'
A number of Breedon Highland League players are taking part in Saturday's game, including Gray's former Turriff United team-mates Dylan Stuart, Andrew Watt, Lee Herbert, Murray Cormack, David Dey, Connor Grant and Max Foster.
His new boss at Fraserburgh, Mark Cowie, and assistant manager James Duthie are also participating.
Gray added: 'I appreciate everyone being willing to play. Whether they play football or not, I appreciate everyone being willing to take part.
'It's a charity game and we've got a good mix of players and the game will be played in the right spirit like it was last year – ultimately it's a bit of fun.
'I also need to say thank you to everyone who has sponsored players taking part, everyone who has donated raffle prizes and Buchanhaven Hearts for allowing us to use Raemoss Park.'
