St Mirren legend's daughter speaks after losing dad to alcoholism

Glasgow Times

11-05-2025

The 'no-nonsense' midfielder, who came through the youth ranks of St Mirren Football Club, captained the Buddies to their 1987 Scottish Cup win and played for Partick Thistle in the late 80s, died in June 2024 following alcohol-related health issues.
He was just 65 years old.
(Image: Image: SNS) (Image: Image of Billy, provided by Hayley.) The Paisley-born baller, who also played for the likes of Dunfermline Athletic, Cowdenbeath and East Stirlingshire, battled with severe alcoholism when his playing days ended - which Abercromby detailed in his biography, Aber's Gonnae Get Ye.
(Image: Hayley Quigg, pictured by Colin Mearns, Newsquest) Billy's daughter, Hayley Quigg, told the Glasgow Times: 'I've seen first-hand the effects alcoholism has on people and the damage it causes families.
'Glasgow in general has a huge problem with alcohol addiction.'
In a bid to raise awareness of the effects of alcoholism and addiction, Hayley – who hails from Crookston - will be taking on the Step Up For Charity event on June 7.
The fundraiser will see the 37-year-old mum and her dance partner, Craig, take the floor to dance the samba. They will compete against 11 other couples, each performing a different dance style.
(Image: Pictures taken by Colin Mearns, Newsquest) (Image: Pictures taken by Colin Mearns, Newsquest) Hayley said she was desperate to take part and raise money for a great cause. She hopes that taking part in the event – which is similar to Strictly Come Dancing - will be a fitting tribute to her late dad too.
She added: 'It is a great concept for an event and as an adult who has a 14-month-old child, I don't always have the opportunity to perform.'
(Image: Image of Hayley and her dad, supplied.) (Image: Image of Billy, provided by Hayley.) All the money raised will go to the North East Recovery Community (NERC) in Bridgeton, which has helped keep people clean and sober in a supportive environment since 2014.
Speaking on the 'deserving' charity, Hayley said: 'NERC aims to promote and assist with recovery for individuals and families. It is a recovery community with comprehensive programmes.
'I have chosen the charity because it helps people to sustain their recovery and is a lifeline for many. I really hope that the money raised can help others fight their addiction and help with their road to recovery.
'Every penny donated will make a massive difference.'
You can donate by clicking HERE
(Image: Pictures taken by Colin Mearns, Newsquest) Anne-Marie Quigg, who is Hayley's mother and sits on the board for NERC, said: 'NERC is a recovery community with comprehensive drug programmes which support people through the entire journey.
'They encourage people to put down drink and drugs and go into education or employment. They even take people away for retreats and keep them safe.'
Anne-Marie is 34 years into recovery.
The 66-year-old added: 'When I first got into recovery, there was only Alcoholic Anonymous (AA) meetings, and they were full of men.
'That was so daunting for me at the time, but the help for people nowadays is bigger and better.'
(Image: Pictures taken by Colin Mearns, Newsquest) Anne-Marie went on to say: 'If this fundraiser can make people aware that there are options out there to get help, then that's a good thing.'
To find out more information about NERC, visit https://www.northeastrecoverycommunity-glasgow.co.uk/about