Daughter of Clutha victim out to make dad proud
THE footballer daughter of a victim of the Clutha disaster has told how she hopes to make him proud by playing for Scotland in the Euro 2017 finals.
Chloe Arthur, 22, lost her father Gary, 48, when a police helicopter plummeted into the popular Glasgow music bar in November 2013. Ten people were killed in the tragedy and another 31 were injured.
Midfielder Miss Arthur, who was coached by her father when she was young, is set to play for Scotland’s women’s team in this month’s Euro 2017 tournament.
The player, from Paisley, said: ‘I know he will be looking down. He taught me everything I know – as he always used to say – so I really want to make him proud because it does inspire me.
‘I really wish he was there. I am sure he would love to be there. He was a good player and he did really back me.’
Miss Arthur added: ‘It’s unfortunate he can’t back me at the sideline today and in future but I know he would be really proud.’
Mr Arthur’s body was one of the first to be recovered from the wreckage. His daughter played for Celtic at the time and club chief executive Peter Lawwell attended her father’s funeral.
Responding to social media messages of support at the time, Miss Arthur wrote: ‘RIP dad. You’ll always mean the world to me. I promise to do you proud.’
The Women’s Euro 2017 finals are taking place in The Netherlands. Scotland’s opening match is against England on July 19. In an interview with the BBC, Miss Arthur – who now plays for Bristol City Women – said: ‘It’s an honour to be here and it’s such an exciting time for the team.’
A report by the Air Accidents Investigation Branch into the helicopter crash found pilot David Traill, 51, breached strict safety guidelines. His family have challenged the findings and a fatal accident inquiry is due to be held.