SHOW OF SUPPORT
Accies supporters will pay tribute to fan Graham
Hamilton Accies fans will this weekend pay tribute to a superfan who has passed away aged just 43.
Hundreds of supporters are expected to participate in a minute’s applause to mark the death of popular Hamilton man Graham Guy.
Graham, a branch manager at Hire Station in Tradeston, Glasgow, died on Friday, April 14, just five weeks after being diagnosed with metastatic bowel cancer on his 43rd birthday on March 10.
He passed away peacefully at home surrounded by his family including his wife Izy, children Scott (13) and Freya (7), mum Janet, dad Billy and brother Robert.
Fans will remember Graham with a round of applause in the 43rd minute of the Accies v Kilmarnock match at the Superseal Stadium this Saturday.
And as Graham was laid to rest yesterday (Wednesday) at South Lanarkshire Crematorium, friends and family donned Accies home colours of red and white as a special tribute to the doting husband and dad.
In a touching gesture, son Scott also proudly pulled on his dad’s Hamilton Accies top for the funeral.
An online appeal for Macmillan Cancer Support has been set up in Graham’s memory and his wife Izy said: “I am humbled at the generosity of everyone who has donated to this great charity in memory of my great husband, my best friend and a fantastic father.”
Tributes were paid to “gentleman” Graham Guy who was laid to rest yesterday (Wednesday) after losing a five-week battle with bowel cancer.
Friends and family spoke to the Advertiser, as well as taking to social media, to pay their respects to the 43-yearold Hamilton Accies fan and keen Scotland football team supporter.
His devastated long-standing friend Alex Cowie, of Hamilton, led the tributes this week when he said: “I met Graham when we were both around 10 years old and we had been friends ever since.
“He was a smashing guy who devoted his working life to providing better for his kids and was genuinely such a pleasant person to be around.
“He loved going to the football, playing a round of golf and enjoying the odd pint with friends – and to be honest noone could move better to rave music than Graham.
“They are a gorgeous family who have touched more than a few hearts over the years. Graham was a class act in all aspects of life. He smiled and fought to the end and was a remarkable individual. God bless.”
Graham Ward also paid tribute and posted on social media: “So sorry for your family. This is heartbreaking news. An absolute gentleman, he will be missed by everyone who worked with him. Rest in peace Graham. Such a tragic loss.”
His cousin Elaine Mckenzie added: “He was the best cousin in the world and we will all miss him terribly. Our hearts and thoughts are with Izy and the children.”
Graham’s wife Izy has been touched by the tributes and generosity of people of Hamilton, who have been contributing to a Justgiving page set up in her husband’s memory. She told the Advertiser: “We would like to thank all the staff in wards four and six at Hairmyres Hospital.
“Ward six made sure Graham was allowed home, and comfortable, to enjoy our daughter Freya’s seventh birthday just days before he passed away. He was eternally thankful for that opportunity.
“I would also like to thank the district nurses and Macmillan Cancer Support team for all their care. And to our family, friends, work colleagues and neighbours for the lovely cards, flowers and kind words.”
Anyone wishing to donate to Macmillan Cancer Support in memory of Graham can do so by going to www.justgiving.com/remember/439909/ GRAHAM-GUY and over £1100 has ben raised already.
Graham was a class act in all aspects of life. He smiled and fought to the end Pal, Alex Cowie