John Kennedy cash to fund aid for Africa

JOHN Kennedy was hailed by Celtic's Kenyan signing Victor Wanyama after the former defender announed he is to forego his share of the gate receipts from next month's Legends match between Celtic and Manchester United to aid the stricken in the midfielder's home continent.

The match, on 9 August, was originally planned, in part, as a testimonial match for the former Scotand international whose career was cut short by injury, but Kennedy said his conscience would not allow him to pocket the cash when so many millions were currently dying in East Africa. The proceeds will now be donated in full to the Oxfam relief fund.

Kennedy said: "I'm fortunate enough to have had my career and earned decent money out of it. I lost my career, but there's people losing lives just through a lack of water and food."

He made his decision after watching footage of the famine ravished countries in East Africa, where 12 million people are fighting for their lives due to the worst drought in the region for 60 years.

Kennedy said: "It's heartbreaking. And if I can make some sort of impact with the game and the exposure it might bring, then it might open up people's eyes here."

Wanyama added: "It is very painful to watch something happening in your country like that when you are in a foreign country. I just want to thank the club and John Kennedy. What they are doing is a big thing. They are trying to help so many people's lives over there."

Henrik Larsson, Chris Sutton, Roy Keane, Dwight Yorke, and Teddy Sheringham are confirmed to play in the game, which will be shown on ITV4.

Billy Connolly and other celebrities will also appear.