Inspirational son of long-serving Buckie Thistle goalkeeping coach Darren Strong buzzing ahead of Parkhead trip

THE son of Buckie Thistle's long-serving goalkeeper and goalkeeping coach Darren Strong is buzzing ahead of Sunday's trip to Parkhead.

Daniel Strong (18) is a familiar face at many Highland League grounds, having regularly followed the team his dad has played for since 2006.

At the age of five, Daniel was diagnosed with a brain tumour which required five operations, including one that lasted 10 hours.

Now 18 and one of the Jags' biggest supporters, he inspires his dad every day.

Darren said: "I signed at Buckie in 2006 and was here for three or four years before Daniel was diagnosed with his brain tumour in October 2010.

"The whole time I have been here has been the time he has been recovering. To begin with he was completely paralysed and he has battled back to what you see now.

"I tell him every day he is my inspiration because he lets nothing get in his way. He has his physical limitations, but he just doesn't stop and he absolutely loves the club.

"The last game of last season when Brechin pipped us to the title he was in floods of tears.

"Now all he speaks about it is this Celtic game. When I told him Buckie were taking him and putting him up – he was beaming."

Back in 2010, Darren was told that he had two options – do nothing and Daniel would die within a year, or do the surgery which he may not survive.

Aged five at the time, Daniel survived the surgery but was left blind in his right eye and with some mobility issues.

Darren added: "It certainly puts things into perspective. At the age of five you are saying to one of the top neurosurgeons in the country 'just give me him back alive'.

"It's brutal. Any parent would tell you that if anything happens to your child it's very difficult."

Daniel, whose favourite Jags player is Darryl McHardy, left school with five highers and started a full-time job in the council at the age of 17.

Darren Strong was speaking at a Scottish Gas media event. Scottish Gas is the proud partner of the Scottish Cup.

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