Dumbarton FC are backing an Alexandria grandfather’s bid to cycle to all 42 Scottish professional football clubs next month to raise money for charity.

David O’Donnell is making the marathon journey after his grandson was struck down with a rare condition and ended up in hospital.

Four-year-old Aidan Kane, from Ladyton, is still recovering after developing Encephalitis, an inflammation of the brain, three years ago.

To show their support, the club welcomed David and his family to The C&G Systems Stadium last Tuesday night ahead of the team’s clash with Raith Rovers.

Sons have also pledged to provide two hospitality tickets for David to auction off towards the £3,000 he hopes to raise for Glasgow’s Children’s Hospital and an Encephalitis charity.

Alan Findlay, commercial director at Dumbarton FC, told the Reporter: “The club is fully supportive of what David is doing. It is very important for us to support him because we are a community based club. David’s challenge is a very worthy thing to do.”

David, who later watched Sons draw 2-2 with Raith along with Aidan’s big brother Lewis, is delighted that the club are getting behind his gruelling 1,100 mile trip, which starts on April 1 and will take him 22 days.

The 69-year-old said: “Tuesday night was excellent, they put us at ease. One of the club’s directors was very helpful and said I’m going to email you the contacts at every club.

“Their support is fantastic and that’s the first positive sign things are happening. Hopefully they are the first of 42 clubs to get behind my big trip.

“I’m feeling good and just excited about getting to the clubs. It will be an achievement doing all 42.”

Read more: Alexandria grandfather to visit every SPFL club on charity cycle challenge

It is not just football teams, who will be getting behind David’s challenge, however.

Aidan is due to join Lewis at Bonhill Primary in August, and the school are also getting behind his bid by holding a non-uniform day this month, which David will be attending.

He added: “I’m looking forward to that as well. It’s fantastic that this is happening.”