Edinburgh boy, 10, surprised with special football gift after selfless birthday donation to charity

A 10-year-old from Edinburgh who selflessly asked for charity donations for his birthday has received an unexpected gift in return from his favourite football team.

Instead of asking his friends for any presents for his birthday last month, Lochlan McCole asked the group to donate money to Show Racism The Red Card raising £120 including £10 of his own money for the charity.

He made the decision after his school, Stewart’s Melville, held a dress down day to raise money for the charity and raise awareness about their cause.

His mum, Selina, got in contact with the charity to share the news and ask about how to best donate the money.

Darren McGregor of Lochlan’s favourite team, Hibs, recorded a video message to congratulate him for the selfless gesture and told him that the entire Hibs team would send him a signed shirt with his name on it.

By complete surprise as a thank you, Darren McGregor of Lochlan’s favourite team, Hibs, recorded a video message to congratulate him for the selfless gesture and told him that the entire Hibs team would send him a signed shirt with his name on it.

Selina said: “His reaction was just priceless, I was completely gobsmacked and recorded Lochlan’s reaction when he saw the video.

“Lochlan and a group of his friends get together each year and willingly give money to charity and never expect anything back from it because you don’t get into it to get something for yourself, but this was just a complete surprise.

“It’s definitely more than he expected when he asked for the donations to be made and both Show Racism the Red Card and Hibs have now got a lifelong supporter in him!”

10-year-old Lochlan received an extra special birthday surprise after his generous donation to Show Racism the Red Card this year

A spokesman for Show Racism the Red Card said: “All of us were taken aback to hear of the astonishing selflessness from young Lochlan on his 10th birthday. To choose to fundraise for our education charity instead of presents shows such compassion and commitment to anti-racism, which is incredibly heartening to see at his age. A huge thank you to Murray, Darren and all at Hibernian FC for their support of his gesture.

“Lochlan’s donation will help us work with young people his age who may have never experienced anti-racist education before – at a time when the need for this kind of work is as high as it’s ever been. Everyone around him should be so, so proud of this young man.”

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