Family pay tribute to Marcus one year on
Fan is remembered
The family of a Rutherglen Glencairn fan who was killed in a tragic incident have paid tribute to him as they approach the first anniversary of his death.
Marcus Whitelaw, 28, was struck by a train at Cambuslang station on May 12 last year.
His loved ones wanted something positive to come from the tragedy and asked those who knew him to dig deep for the Salvation Army’s William Hunter House Lifehouse, which helps break the cycle of homelessness and reintegrates people back into the community.
A charity football match was also held in Marcus’s memory between Blantyre Vics, Blantyre Celtic and Glencairn, which helped to contribute to the charity.
More than £1,200 was raised for the project and was used to fund activities for residents at the Glasgow centre – something that Marcus would have been proud of, say his parents Tommy and Maureen.
Neighbours of the football fan also planted a tree in his memory.
Members of the Priory Bridge Residents’ Association in Blantyre made the gesture with the support of Marcus’s family.
When the association asked Marcus’s father Tommy where he would like the memorial tree planted, he asked that it be put just behind his house, where he could see it from his kitchen window.
This week his family in a statement to the Reformer said: “We can’t believe how quickly a year has passed and we miss him more and more each day.
“He will always be remembered for his chat and his knowledge and his love of local football.
“He attended a lot of the local games and I am sure he is missed at them.
“We will always remember the generosity from the people of Blantyre and beyond who helped raise money for the Salvation Army in Marcus’s memory.
“This is something we will never forget.”