Rangers Supporters Erskine Appeal– the brainchild of Gers fan Tom Clark – was launched in 2007 to raise vital funds for the Renfrewshire home’s specialist care of Veterans and their families.

The group has since contributed to countless projects for residents living in Erskine’s four care homes, including a sporting memories room, reminiscence room, namaste room and bridge activities room.

Their tireless fundraising efforts were initially born out of selling badges and a sponsored walk.

But, over the years, cash has been raised through high-flying exploits, such as sponsored zip slides and abseils, as well as football tournaments, golf days, Northern Soul nights and sportsman dinners.

On their way past the £1m milestone (now standing at almost £1.3m), RSEA has also aided the crucial purchase of lifting aids and an assisted bath, refurbishment of the physiotherapy department in the home, weekly aromatherapy sessions, the Centenary Garden and pathway, the Playlist for Life music project, weekly music therapy sessions and, most recently, a hybrid vehicle.

In their first year of fundraising, the group raised an incredible £34,000 and, by 2011, the total had risen to £283,000 and RSEA was named Volunteer Fundraising Group of the Year by the Institute of Fundraising Scotland.

In 2010, Tom was contacted by Murray Roxburgh who is the director of Grail PR.

Murray offered Tom his expertise and advice in event management and fundraising, all free of charge, which saw the RSEA’s profile and donations to Erskine soar.

New RSEA president, former Rangers striker Gordon Smith, said: “The RSEA is a credit to the Rangers support.

The funds raised for Erskine are fantastic. Having been a patron, I have seen first-hand the work that goes in to helping the ex-servicemen and women looked after by Erskine.