Footballers in relay tribute to teacher
Register for free to read more of the latest local news. It's easy and will only take a moment.
Teacher Dianne Allan died in January at the age of 25 after losing her battle with cancer.
Her family and partner Steven Morris were devastated by her tragic loss, as were friends and colleagues.
In her memory, Steven’s team-mates at Thurso Swifts have decided to raise money for Cancer Research UK by undertaking a 12-hour relay at the town’s Sir George’s Park on Saturday, April 7. It gets under way at 8am.
The event – part of the Doing it for Dianne fundraising campaign which was set up by her friend, Emma Currie – will feature live music, including an appearance by Isaac Sutherland. It is understood local band Estrella will also perform. There will also be stalls, a magician, a raffle, kids’ games and competitions.
Dianne’s mother Ann Flett and stepfather Robbie Flett have been touched by what is happening.
“We are delighted that the Thurso Swifts are having a relay and fun day in aid of Cancer Research in memory of our darling daughter, Dianne, who died on January 12. We are honoured that Dianne was held in such high regard by so many people,” Mr Flett told the Caithness Courier.
He said the family are “overwhelmed” the footballers wanted to do something to raise money for Cancer Research and said it came as “a complete surprise to us”.
Steven explained that manager Nigel MacKenzie and the team wanted to do something to help and came up with the relay idea.
The first lap will be walked by Steven and Dianne’s uncle, George Groat, who will be accompanied by a lone piper. The players will then take over and run in relays for 12 hours. They will be doing the official run but it is possible other local footballers could also take part for moral support.
Steven explained there will be prizes on offer for anyone who can guess the distance covered by the Swifts players in the 12 hours. They include a signed shirt which has been donated by Dundee United footballer Gary Mackay-Steven, who comes from Thurso.
“We have been taken aback by the support we have been given by everyone. What the Thurso Swifts have done is tremendous. We did not expect anything like that. It is brilliant,” said 27-year-old Steven, who works as a draughtsman for Mowat Technical Design Services Ltd at Westerdale.
He described Dianne as “very kind, selfless, happy and outgoing” and someone who was “very dedicated to her work”. She was also “well thought of and very popular,” said Steven, who stays at Ormlie Villa in Thurso.
He and Dianne were together for three-and-a-half years.
A spokesman for Thurso Swifts said: “Diane was a lovely girl, and her death was such a sad loss for her family and Stevie. The lads wanted to do something to show their support for Stevie and Dianne’s family, and hopefully raise some money for an excellent charity.”
Dianne, who covered the Wick and Thurso associated school groups for the area pupil support service, died at Gartnavel Hospital in Glasgow.
She stayed at the family home in Watten. Her father, Charlie Allan, died when she was a young child.
At the time of her death, the Highland Council’s additional support needs officer, Roger Bamfield, praised her “commitment, drive, energy and enthusiasm”.
“She was motivated by a desire to make things better for her pupils. She felt children are born with wings and teachers help them fly,” he said.
Hundreds of people gathered at the Pulteneytown Parish Church in Wick to pay their last respects to her. She was interred at Thrumster cemetery.
