A STUNNING artwork of Rangers legend Fernando Ricksen has netted a bumper cash boost for the hospice where he spent his final days. 

The piece, which features the Light Blues’ former captain in the club’s 2005/06 kit, was sold for nearly £1700 in an auction last week, with all the proceed going towards the St Andrew’s Hospice. 

Ricksen passed away at the Airdrie centre in 2019 following a long battle with motor neurone disease (MND). 

Glasgow Times: Marvin Andrews with the painting ahead of the game Marvin Andrews with the painting ahead of the game

The work was auctioned off ahead of a charity game between a Rangers Legends side and Shotts Bon Accord Select on Friday, which saw thousands more raised for the hospice. Proceeds from the night were shared equally between it and Wishaw-based charity Chris’s House. 

And while organisers are still to work out a final total, they were delighted with the turnout and support from the local community. 

Stuart Thomson, the event’s organiser, said: “I just want to say thanks to Shotts Bon Accord, the wider community, and the Rangers Family.

“People came from all across the UK to watch the match.

“We tried to raise as much as we could for the two charities and the final bid for the artwork was very close to £1700.

“We had a Steven Gerrard signed shirt and Gazza and Walter Smith  memorabilia. 

“We still need to do the final tallying up but we have managed to raise thousands for the two charities. We’ll also be making a donation to Shotts Bon Accord, who are a great community club and hosted us so well.”

Won by the Shotts Select team, the match featured the likes of Alex Rae, Marvin Andrews, and Andy Little. Podcaster James English also made a cameo appearance for the home side, having sponsored the game. 

Glasgow Times: Fernando Ricksen passed away at the age of 43 Fernando Ricksen passed away at the age of 43

Stuart added: “I didn’t see much of the game because I was running about like a madman but Shotts Select won 2-0 and, I think, that’s the first time the Rangers Legends have lost. Ian Durrant and Stan Gordon managed the legends team and we had the likes of Marvin Andrews and Alex Rae playing.

READ MORE: Marvin Andrews unveils artwork in memory of Rangers legend Fernando Ricksen

“James English, the match sponsor, was great. He helped me pre-match with the hospitality and told his own story.

“We had a healthy crowd, which is great, and everyone seemed to enjoy it. Raising the money in honour of Fernando was an emotional moment for all of the Rangers fans. He meant so much to us.”