A Prestonpans-based charity has joined forces with former Hibernian and Scotland footballer Garry O’Connor, who has become its new sports ambassador.

The Destiny Project is a children’s mental health project that provides support and advocacy with the aim of promoting the health and wellbeing of children and young people from all backgrounds.

Andrew Stevenson, founder and project manager, was delighted to see Garry come onboard and help fulfil the charity’s aims.

He said: “I am absolutely, utterly delighted that he has chosen to work alongside The Destiny Project.

“The partnership we have with Garry and his academy, and alongside the fact he is our sports ambassador, it’s going to inspire our ethos of dream, inspire, achieve.

“It’s about giving the kids in the most deprived areas that enthusiasm that no matter what situation you’re in, you can always dream big, you can always inspire others to dream big, and you can always achieve goals – Garry is the epitome of that.”

Andrew added that Garry’s personal experiences with mental health, as well as being from Port Seton, provided the perfect inspiration to help young people and families in the area with their own mental health struggles.

Garry’s input will also see a ‘legends’ match organised with the hope of seeing old Hearts and Hibs players take to the field in aid of the charity, as well as a Q&A session with Garry himself.

The charity is also currently taking part in the Cash for Kids sports challenge, with the hope of creating a grassroots football provision in Prestonpans for young people to come together and reach their full potential through sport.

Andrew added that the charity was appealing for sponsors to help it achieve its goals, encouraging those who might be interested to visit thedestinyproject.co.uk