The MDSA Minibus Appeal received a generous present just before Christmas from Boro fans working offshore in the North Sea on the Scott Platform, N.E. of Aberdeen on the east coast of Scotland.

The Scott Platform crew members are part of Nexen Petroleum UK Ltd, a Canadian-based, global energy company strategically positioned in some of the world’s most exciting oil producing regions. In an industry where Health & Safety is paramount, Nexen regularly drive safety awareness initiatives for their employees, In 2007, the Scott Platform workforce were the commendable recipients of the Nexen HSE and SR Presidents’ Award for Excellence in safety procedures, which also incurred the handsome reward of £10,000..!!  As this was a collective ‘prize’, the Platform decided to invite nominations from crew members to make donations to charities they thought could benefit.

Geoff Richardson, the General Secretary for Middlesbrough FC Official Supporters Club (MOSC), and a chef for the crew on Scott, said: “Being aware of the work Paddy and MDSA do for our less mobile Boro fans, and the current Appeal to replace their minibus, I had no hesitation in putting their name forward for a share of our reward… and very pleased my nomination was successful too! Due to illness last year, I was gutted to be unable to take part in the MDSA’s Sponsored “Walk” on the N. Yorks Moors after raising over £200 in pledges off the lads on Scott, so this was a very satisfying outcome for me personally.”

In all, 12 charities were submitted by the crew and selected by the panel, each receiving a cheque for £833. Geoff met up with Paddy, Chairman of MDSA, during his Christmas leave to give him both the good news and the cheque at the Riverside Stadium. “We’re sincerely indebted to Nexen, Geoff, and the lads on Scott for their generosity. It’s a great boost to the Appeal, which is almost approaching the target.” said Paddy. “It also means a great deal to us, knowing there’s a lot of Boro fans on the platforms out in the North Sea thinking of us, too.”