Leidos and Glasgow Warriors Plaster it Purple raise over £21,000 for Glasgow Children's Hospital
On 14th April, a narrow 12-9 win over the Llanelli Scarlets saw the Glasgow Warriors claim fourth place in the United Rugby Championship League — securing the home advantage for the quarter-final playoffs. However the action on the pitch wasn’t the only cause for celebration that day. An even bigger victory was shared by players and supporters alike, who smashed their fundraising target by £6,000 to raise over £21,000 for Glasgow Children’s Hospital as part of the Plaster it Purple charity game.
Sponsored by Leidos, which donates £1 for every match ticket sold, Plaster it Purple sees Warriors players and rugby fans wear a splash of purple in support of the cause. A family-friendly affair, this year’s festivities included an inflatable zone soft play area and face painting stalls — ensuring the deluge of rain didn’t dampen attendees' spirits.
“We have been blown away by the generosity of everyone that has donated money to the children’s hospital,” said Glasgow Warriors managing director Al Kellock. “Many of the families who have been impacted by the work of the charity took part in the match and I have enjoyed hearing their stories and being reminded of just how important the work they do is.”
Taking part in the match ceremonies were two children who have directly benefited from Glasgow Children’s Hospital’s care: Euan Allison, the team’s mascot, and Scarlet Dougan, who delivered the match ball. Euan and his family have raised over £163,000 for the charity to date.
Among the crowds attending were many of Leidos’ 200 plus Glasgow-based employees, for whom the event has a significance that goes beyond support for their local team.
Our employees’ families in Glasgow have personally benefitted from the outstanding care provided by the Glasgow Children’s Hospital, so this event is very special to us. We are delighted to invest in our community through the Plaster it Purple campaign.
Alec Harley
Director, Leidos Scotland
As Glasgow Warriors’ captain, Kyle Steyn explained to the Daily Record, the match is also extremely meaningful for the players themselves, who personally visit the hospital every Christmas.
“You meet kids with serious issues including brain cancer and neurological disorders — and the first thing that hits you is the smile on their faces,” he told reporter David Barnes. Then you see the layers behind that, with their families providing support along with the incredible staff. It is humbling and inspiring to see how everyone involved pulls together, along with the care they give and the effort which goes into creating a positive atmosphere.”
For Steyn, it's exactly that same community-driven spirit and sense of a common cause that the Warriors themselves are determined to replicate among players and fans.
"Ultimately, it comes down to values as a squad and as individuals. I suppose it's about our desire to reflect Glasgow's history as a whole, as a city willing to fight, and willing to fight together. That's what we are trying to do at Warriors — to be something more than just a team that tries to win rugby games and climb a league table. Our vision is to have a role in the Glasgow community, and something like this is how we can do that."
It’s that same desire to be an integral part of the community of Glasgow and of Scotland as a whole that motivates Leidos’ support for Plaster it Purple.
“We’re delighted that Leidos is motivated to help us achieve our vision to make a tangible difference to our community and those living in it,” said Glasgow Children’s Hospital Charity CEO Kirsten Watson. “Thanks to them, Glasgow Warriors and the brilliant fans, the Plaster it Purple game will help to ensure children and their families across Scotland will continue to receive the best care possible.”
