FORMER Rangers player David Robertson has revealed he told his dad about his British Empire Medal just two days before he passed away following a battle with cancer. 

The 52-year-old has dedicated the honour to Leslie, who lost his life to oesophageal cancer at the age of 79 last month, and said he wouldn’t have got to where he was without his support. 

Robertson was yesterday recognised for his work with Indian club Real Kashmir and in the local community and speaking to mark the achievement, he also paid tribute to his mum Muriel. 

Glasgow Times: David Robertson wife his parents David Robertson wife his parents

She lost her own life just six months before Leslie and last night the former Scotland-cap admitted his award had been tinged with sadness as neither of his parents will get the opportunity see him pick up his gong. 

“It’s been a hard couple of weeks losing my father," he said. "He’d been battling oesophageal cancer but was hospitalised with an infection and his body wasn’t strong enough to fight it.

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“I told my father about my BEM when he was in hospital before he passed away. He was pretty much unconscious, but his eyes fluttered occasionally when we talked to him, so hopefully he’s gone to see my mum and tell her the good news about my Honour.”

He added: “I wouldn’t have achieved what I’ve achieved without my father’s dedication taking me all over the place to play when I was a kid hoping to make my mark in the game.

“Dad used to watch all the Real Kashmir games online and would give me his opinion on how good or bad the team was. I’ll miss that bit.” 

Robertson, who also played for Aberdeen, led Real Kashmir to their first major honour last year and his time in India has featured in two BBC documentaries. 

He has also been widely praised for his work in the community. 

Glasgow Times: Robertson has spent the last several years working in India Robertson has spent the last several years working in India

Robertson, who won six titles during his time at Ibrox, added: “When I got the call to tell me I was being honoured I was totally gobsmacked to be honest with you.” 

Sir Philip Barton, Permanent Under-Secretary at the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office said: “I congratulate everyone receiving an honour and thank them for their hard work and years of service.

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“The UK’s impact around the world depends on exceptional people like those recognised in this year’s Queen’s Birthday Honours. We are grateful for their outstanding contribution.”