HEARTBROKEN young footballer Connor Cameron will be home in time for his mum’s funeral – after a 48-hour journey across four countries.
Businessman Mark Shaw stepped in to help out the 13-year-old footballer and his team mates from Johnstone Burgh Boys Club Under-14s, after clouds of volcanic ash grounded their return flight.
Connor’s mum Theresa died a few days before the club left to take part in the football tournament in Madrid.
Her funeral is scheduled to take place this Friday at St Margaret’s in Johnstone.
Mark, chief executive of the Hazledene Group, said: “When I heard about young Connor’s situation, I was desperate to help.
“The main thing was to try to get him home for his mum’s funeral, and with the help of several agencies, I think we may have achieved that.
“It means the lad travelling from Spain, through France and Belgium, before docking in Scotland, but it’ll be worth it.”
Connor was picked up in Madrid at lunchtime yesterday by an employee of Iberdrola, the Spanish utilities company, and driven to Paris, along with two adults.
The trio were due to stay overnight in the French capital and set sail from Zeebrugge, in Belgium, to Rosyth, this morning, and are scheduled to arrive on home soil tomorrow.
Mark said: “There were only three spaces left on the Zeebrugge-Rosyth ferry and we felt that Connor’s needs were more pressing.
“Being a minor he obviously needed to be escorted by an adult.”
He added: “There was no hesitation from any of the agencies I contacted, including Iberdrola and Norfolk Line ferries.
“I have also been in touch with Renfrewshire Council and the Scottish Government and both parties did what they could to help.
“We’ve managed to pull out all the stops to get Connor home, and the rest of the party won’t be too far behind.”
The main party, who are staying at the Best Western Hotel Aida in the village of Torrejon, on the outskirts of Madrid, are due to be picked up tomorrow afternoon and will take the same route to Scotland, before being collected from Rosyth some time on Saturday.
From Madrid, team manager John Carty, said: “I can’t believe it’s all coming together so well.
“I speak on behalf of everyone connected with the club when I say a massive thanks to Mark Shaw for helping get us home.
“And the Paisley Daily Express has been incredible. Our local paper has come up trumps by co-ordinating everything and helping to make it happen.”
And upbeat John even arranged a challenge match against a local junior side last night.
He said: “Before we got the news that we were on our way home, football was the last thing on everyone’s minds.
“It was as though a weight had been lifted and the boys were delighted to play the match.
“It has been a tough couple of weeks, and we’re not home yet, but this experience has galvanised the entire squad.
“The team spirit within the ranks is second to none.”
Jennifer McDade’s 14-year-old son Andrew is with the party. The Spateston woman said: “It’s brilliant news that the boys will be home soon.
“The generosity shown by Mark Shaw has been incredible, so it’s a big thanks to him, and the Paisley Daily Express, for making it all happen.”
