Ice hockey supporters rally round sick fan

● Thousands raised to fly man in coma home after he falls ill on holiday abroad

By MARTYN MCLAUGHLIN appeal to help him return to Glasgow and receive care.

In the space of less than 24 hours, thousands of pounds has already been raised for Mr Wilson, from Paisley, with professional players who forged friendships with Mr Wilson among those lending their support to the campaign.

Glasgow Clan said it was “deeply concerned” to learn about the plight of “one of our most passionate fans” and said it was looking into how it could help Mr Wilson and his family.

Bari Mckenzie, who turned out for the Elite Ice Hockey League side for three seasons, helping them to two top three finishes, said he and his girlfriend became good friends with Mr Wilson during his time with the Braehead-based club.

The 32-year-old told The Scotsman: “Jamie has been going to Clan games since day one. I only signed for the team in 2015, but even before then, when I was visiting Braehead as an away player, he would always be there and I would always stop and speak with him.

“He’s a lovely, lovely guy who’s so polite and it always meant so much for him to chat with the players for a few minutes at a game.

“He always used to tell me I was his favourite player, and I’d just joke with him, saying, ‘Yeah, I’d better be!’ He’s such a nice wee guy, and after the games, I’d see him at Bar Varia in Braehead having food or a drink and we’d have a chat, and I’d wait with him outside to make sure he got his taxi home.”

The forward, who now plays

SUSAN GIBSON for Fife Flyers, added: “When I heard what happened I was upset and shocked, and you just have to try and do what you can to help. It’s a horrible situation and I just really feel for him and his family. A lot of the players do.

“I mentioned yesterday to Scott Aarssen [a Canadian ice hockey player with the Fife Flyers] what had happened and he was shocked too. It’s crazy the amount of support from players who played for the Clan and other teams in the league.

“The fact so many people are taking the time to try and help Jamie shows how much he is loved in the hockey world. To behonestwithyou,ifyouspeak with any ice hockey fan in Scotland, they will know Jamie. He is that well thought of.” Susan Gibson, a Glasgow Clan fan who started the crowdfunding appeal, said Mr Wilson was the club’s “biggest fan” and described his fellow supporters as his “extended family.”

She added: “Jamie is such a lovely man and he would chat away until he was blue in the face.

“I’ve been blown away at the response to the appeal so far, and it shows the close connection Jamie had with all his fellow fans and supporters.”

Since going live on Tuesday, the appeal has raised more than £2,800 towards its £10,000 goal. Anyone who wishes to donate should visit www.gofundme.com/getjamie-home

“I’ve been blown away at the response to the appeal so far, and it shows the close connection Jamie had with all his fellow fans and supporters”