McGinn humbled and inspired by his encounter with 'Hibs daft' Brandon
I was glad to be able to put a smile on his face in his last few days
PROVIDING comfort in the midst of deep and unknowable despair, bringing some levity — and normality — to the most harrowing of situations. It’s an odd sort of a burden to place upon the shoulders of young men who, by dint of their athletic prowess, are rarely expected to immerse themselves in cold reality.
Yet the best somehow manage to bear it with grace. However heavy the going. A blessed few even manage to view it as a privilege. More than just a reminder of what’s really important, it is an opportunity to get to know, however fleetingly, some truly remarkable individuals.
One night last week, John McGinn was fulfilling an enjoyable obligation on the part of his employers, visiting Brandon Walker — a Hibs-daft 14-year-old — in hospital in Edinburgh. It’s the kind of thing footballers do more often than you would think, spending an hour or so by the bedside of a sick child.
McGinn takes special pleasure in these visits, drawing inspiration from boys and girls who almost inevitably provide any visitor with a free lesson in strength and fortitude. Even when life appears determined to give them a kicking.
Young Brandon passed away in London’s Great Ormond Street Hospital on Friday, his rare heart disorder having caused sudden deterioration not long after he had flown south in the hope of life-saving treatment.
The entire Hibernian community has been affected by his passing, with supporters’ clubs leading tributes — and starting an online discussion on how best to honour the youngster.
McGinn, who feels lucky merely to have spent time with a lad described by friends and family as always smiling, forever up for a chat with visitors, was as saddened as any by the news.
‘Last week I found out that Paul Kane wanted me to go along and meet this boy, which I’m always happy to do,’ said the Scotland Under-21 star.
‘He was nice and bubbly and talking away. He was Hibs-daft and he was wearing his top when we met. I gave him one of my strips framed.
‘And then, on Friday, when I came out of the cinema, I learned that he had passed away. I couldn’t believe it — it hit me like a ton of bricks. It was so sad. That puts football into perspective.
‘We’re all thinking about his family and his friends. It’s not a nice time, obviously, but it was a pleasure for me to be able to put a smile on his face in his last few days.
‘That’s maybe something his family will treasure — and being able to meet him is something I’ll always treasure.
‘There were a couple of kids who weren’t well when I was at St Mirren and, to be honest, I loved spending time with them. They’re aware of the illnesses they have, but they just get on with it and they’re so strong, just like their families.
‘They don’t have a “normal” life but they try the best they can. We can take these things for granted when we have everything on a plate.
‘Brandon was an infectious character and I was so surprised by the news. I was in bits. But my mum said to me that it was good I got the chance to put a smile on his face. I would do it every day if I could. It was priceless. When the funeral comes, I’ll talk to his family and if I can do anything, I will.’
Unsurprisingly, McGinn’s visit to young Brandon was dominated by one subject — his football team.
‘It was all about Hibs, nothing else!’ said the 21-year-old. ‘He asked me about the drive into training, how Jason Cummings does his hair… he said I was his favourite but that Jason wasn’t far behind!
‘I couldn’t get it all out of my head on Friday night. I was affected a lot more by it than I thought I would be.
‘But I was pumped as I’ve ever been for a game on Saturday, even if common sense prevailed because of the weather.
‘All of the boys want to get the win for him this Saturday (against Falkirk). We wanted to do it for him at Cappielow last weekend, until the game was postponed.
‘Brandon was a massive, massive Hibs fan and all he wanted was a league-winning team to watch. He was talking about hopefully going to the Queen of the South game, which makes this so sad.
‘We moan a lot as footballers — but a lot of clubs do good things at this time of year, especially. We’re all willing to help in any way we can and it’s a privilege if we’re able to put a smile on some faces.
‘I saw a minute’s applause was mentioned by the fans as a possibility and we’ll be doing anything we can to help with any dedications. This is a great club for things like that. It was them who put me in touch with Paul Kane and, through him, Brandon — I would never have known about his situation, otherwise.
‘I’m really glad I met Brandon. It’s just so sad how it’s turned out.’