By Graeme Cleland

DUNDEE UNITED chairman Eddie Thompson has praised the “tremendous courage” of Perthshire girl and United fanatic Heather Hird who suffered serious spinal injuries in a tragic accident while travelling home from watching her heroes on Boxing Day.

Heather (15), who lives with parents Heidie and Gordon in Aberdalgie, was left paralysed after the car crash and has been told she will never walk again.

She is being treated in Glasgow Southern General Hospital’s spinal injuries unit and is due to undergo major surgery today.

United players, management, staff and supporters have all been quick to respond to the bravery and an initial fund-raising drive to help with the immediate needs of Heather and her family has been kick-started by the club.

The players have all contributed generously and chairman Eddie Thompson has pledged to match the amount already donated.

Supporters will also be having a collection before this Saturday’s Scottish Cup tie against Aberdeen.

The collection will be administered by ArabTRUST, the Dundee United Supporters’ Trust, and will be assisted by the Federation of Dundee United Supporters’ Clubs and the Dundee United Business Club.

Last week players Derek McInnes, Mark Kerr and Alan Archibald visited Heather while management duo Gordon Chisholm and Billy Dodds dropped by to lend their support earlier this week.

Yesterday Mr Thompson and director Derek Robertson spent time with her. They said Heather is showing remarkable courage and her resilience and bravery has touched the hearts of all those associated with the club.

A visit from her two favourite players—Collin Samuel and David Fernandez—is being arranged, while fans’ representatives have also pledged to make regular visits.

United have also been inundated with offers of help from supporters and Mr Thompson said, “We have all been moved by the tragic consequences of the accident after the Kilmarnock game and also by the tremendous courage shown by Heather and her family.

“All Heather wanted to talk about was football and the fact that she’s missing the cup game on Saturday.

“We had hoped to keep any involvement low key and confidential but it is clear that many fans want to know what they can do to help as well. While, in time, support mechanisms will kick in, there are obvious immediate needs that can be helped by some initial funding and I am delighted that our fans, together with our players and staff, have volunteered to help out.

“All of the fund-raising will be co- ordinated by ArabTRUST and we are extremely grateful to all of the supporters’ groups for volunteering their services. I understand that collections will also be made on out-of-town buses and I am positive that Aberdeen fans, too, will want to contribute before the game.

“While it is of course only some consolation, I am sure that Heather and her family will be delighted to know that so many people are thinking of them.”