LARGS Thistle are playing their part in a fantastic fundraising effort by staging a charity football match this weekend for the Beatson cancer charity.

The event will see youngsters take on the 'oldies' at Barrfields Park - with former Motherwell and Ayr United star Craig Reid starring.

Thistle have kindly donated the use of the ground and strips for the big match.

The event has been set up by Jack Havlin, who is raising funds for the Beatson as a thank you for the treatment they have provided for his aunt Carly Carlin, who has been battling a rare form of cancer for around three years.

Both Jack, 19, and Carly, 44, hail from Saltcoats, and approached Thistle to stage the event, which will kick off at 2pm on Saturday.

Carly suffers from a form of cancer called peritoneal mesothelioma, which is linked to the ingestion of asbestos at some point in her life, and told the News that she now 'lives for the day'.

Daily symptoms of include abdominal pain, nausea and swelling of the abdomen.

The cancer is incurable, but with treatment, patients can have extended life expectancies beyond their initial prognosis.

Carly said: "We are so thankful to Largs Thistle who have given us free use of Barrfields, and for donating the kits for us to use.

"We hope that Largs will turn out for the event. We know the Beatson has played a big part in so many people's lives including lots of locals, so we hope that everyone rallies round on the big day.

"I have a very strong bond with my nephew Jack. He has helped organise the match, which we hope will be something everyone can enjoy."

Carly's tumour is no longer shrinking and she is currently taking a break from the exhausting chemo sessions.

She added: "I refuse to wallow in self pity - I just want to live for the day and get up and get on with life. It is what you make it, and I am determined to live each day as if it is is my last - I am not going to let this diagnosis let me down.

"The Beatson has been great with me and I need them more than ever now."

With the help of her husband Tony and her brother Andrew, they have already raised £5,000 for the Beatson, and now hope to double this amount.

The money raised so far has been collected by running ‘bonus balls’ for the opportunity to win a number of signed football shirts, donated by Kilmarnock, Celtic and Rangers, as well as Scotland boss Steve Clarke and midfielder Billy Gilmour, who is from Ardrossan.

For more information on fundraising, visit Jack Havlin’s Just Giving page at: tinyurl.com/4bkpkcfz