Airdrie & Coatbridge Advertiser
Tributes pour in for a true Diamond
Mark loses his brave battle after two years of courage
“I’m living life to the absolute full way past the timeline. I’m not fighting to stay alive, I’m fighting to live.”
Those were the inspiring words of brave Mark Allison in conversation with the Advertiser earlier this year which said everything about the determination, character and strong will of the Airdrieonians superfan.
Mark tragically lost his near-twoyear battle with pancreatic cancer last Thursday at the age of just 49.
But it’s a battle true Diamond geezer Mark fought with dignity and a determination to help others in a similar position – as his unique F**k Cancer campaign, which raised over £ 70,000 for a number of charities, including St Andrew’s Hospice, will attest.
Tributes have been pouring in since news of Mark’s death emerged, with his beloved football club releasing the following statement on its website: “Everyone at Airdrieonians is saddened by the news that Diamonds fan Mark Allison has passed away.
“Mark was a well-known face in the Airdrie support long before his diagnosis with pancreatic cancer almost two years ago, but his selflessness after receiving such news endeared him to many.
“Raising funds for cancer research with his unique F** k Cancer campaign, Mark co- ordinated a number of events based around his lifelong passions for football, music and Adidas trainers.
“He ensured his efforts would have a positive effect on others, and was a leading figure in the installation of Sammy’s Shelter at Excelsior Stadium following the death of Diamonds star Sammy Conn.
“Mark’s campaigns raised well over £ 70,000 for cancer charities, and his legacy will live on within his beloved football club and beyond.
“Our thoughts are with his family and friends at this sad time.
“Rest in Peace, Mark. Diamonds are forever.”
Close friend, fellow Supporters Trust member and Airdreonians commercial manager, Dougy Allsop added: “Mark was a big supporter of the Trust and a great example of how people should live their life.
“He didn’t let his illness dictate how he went about his business.”
When diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in November 2014, doctors gave Mark just six months to live.
But the brave battler defied medical science to not only live a longer life – but live it to the full.
As well as leading the F**k Cancer initiative, which included music gigs, an auction of Adidas memorabilia and Mark getting his head shaved, he was an instrumental figure in a project to construct a special section for disabled fans at his beloved New Broomfield. “Sammy’s Shelter” was named after the late Diamonds midfielder Sammy Conn and at an event unveiling the plans for the project, a typically selfless Mark told the Adver t i s e r : “Th i s isn’t a b o u t m e. This is about t the footballll fraternity looking ng after one of its ts own.”
Last October,ber, Mark received ed a well- deserved treat as he got to share a sofa with rock k ‘n’ roll icon Noel Gallagherallagher and footballingg legend Peter Schmeichel hel on hit television showw Soccer AM, proudly wearing his Airdrie kit on nair. air.
Ma r k ’ s na m e and image willll also be immortalisedl ised forever after Adidas commissioned a one-off pair of Stan Smith trainers endorsed by himself back in January. Mark was in exalted company as superstars like Kate Moss, Pharrell Williams and Ian Brown had all been previously featured on the trendy footwear and said at the time: “In my world, this surpasses a knighthood.” Mark also loved music and was treated like royalty as a VIP guest at the Stone Roses’ gig just two weeks ago. Mark’s family want his funeral this Friday to be a “celebration” and the farewell services will culminate with a “death disco”, requested by the man himself. Dougy Allsop added: “Mark’s funeral begins at New Broomfield at 9.30am before heading to St Joseph’s Cemetery in Airdrie. “After the burial, everyone is invited back to the stadium for a ‘death disco’, as directed by Mark himself, that will carry on into the night with events like auctions and music. “Mark’sMark s family wanted a celebrationc of his life and will leave wh what people wear to the events to th their own discretion. “There are suresur to be a number of Aird Airdrie tops, Adidas trainers and F** k Cancer T-shirts on display.” It’s only fitting that the final word should g go to Mark himself as he re recognised the kindsupport kind- hearted support granted to him by his commun community: “With the F** k Cancer events, we have done s something spe special and lef left a lasting le legacy. “Thanks to each an and every per person who has contributedcont to the final F* F**k Cancer total. It’s beyond astoundin astounding to have raisedasmraised as much as we have.”