08-05-2025
Fundraiser to honour former Glasgow Times sports reporter
Bert Mitchell, who died aged 56 after suffering a stroke, will be remembered at his beloved Bridge of Allan Sports Club on Saturday, May 10.
The event, organised by his wife Arlene and daughter Ava, will raise funds for Chest Heart & Stroke Scotland.
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The day, which coincides with Stroke Awareness Day, will be packed with some of Bert's favourite things: sport, food, and socialising.
It is set to feature a squash and tennis exhibition match, as Bert was an avid player of both sports.
Arlene said: "Bert was into sport throughout his life.
"He started in tennis, then got into squash, and latterly he was into padel.
"He was definitely a racket player.
"It felt right that we should do something to remember him and ensure his legacy lives on.
"I want people to remember Bert and for the new generation of members to acknowledge his contribution to the club.
"I don't want his hard work and 'larger than life' personality to be forgotten about as the years go on."
The day will kick off at 1pm, with a BBQ scheduled for 1.30pm.
This will be followed by the tennis exhibition at 3pm, featuring tennis coach Jonny O'Mara and some of Stirling University's best players.
A squash exhibition match will then take place later in the afternoon, featuring senior international and PSA players John Meehan and Andrew Glen.
The day will end with a raffle, auction, and the unveiling of a memorial plaque for Bert at the squash courts.
Ava said: "We've got Jonny O'Mara, who coached Andy Murray in his final year on court and who reached a career high of 44 in doubles, taking part in a tennis exhibition match.
"We're hoping to raise as much money as possible for Chest Heart & Stroke Scotland."
Tickets to the event can be purchased from the Bridge of Allan Sports Club.
Donations for Chest Heart & Stroke Scotland can also be made to the family's fundraising page:
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Louise MacLeod, events, community, and corporate fundraiser at CHSS, said: "We wish Arlene and Ava all the best for their upcoming fundraiser.
"It's incredible to see the effort they have put into the day and we hope they receive plenty of support from the local community.
"The money raised from this day will help us to support the 1 in 5 people across the country who are living with chest, heart and stroke conditions and Long Covid to live their lives to the full."
Anyone looking for information or advice about living with the effects of a chest, heart or stroke condition or Long Covid, is invited to contact Chest Heart & Stroke Scotland's Advice Line on 0808 801 0899.
