A Lanarkshire Celtic fan has died while on holiday in the Philippines, sparking a major fundraising effort to bring him home.
Stephen Harper, 35, from Bellshill, passed away in Manila on June 19 while travelling abroad. His family and friends said he had been spending the last few months exploring the country before his sudden death.
His mum, Tracy Harper, announced the news on social media. She said: “With broken hearts, we share the sad news that our much-loved son Stephen passed away while travelling in the Philippines/Manila. We are devastated by his loss and will cherish our memories of him forever. Thank you to everyone for your support and kindness at this incredibly difficult time.”
Stephen was well known among Celtic supporters and had been a long-standing member of the Sons of Donegal Celtic Supporters Club.
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Paying tribute, the club said: "We are devastated by the news that Stephen Harper has passed away while travelling in Asia. He had been a member for a good few years now and a good friend to a lot of us. There is going to be a complicated process of trying to bring his body home to give him the send-off he deserves.
"Rest in peace Harper our friend. You will be very sadly missed and greatly remembered."
The Billy McNeill Commemoration Committee also paid tribute, recalling Stephen’s involvement in a sponsored 100km cycle from Bellshill to Perth which raised more than £3,000 towards the statue of Celtic legend Billy “Cesar” McNeill at Bellshill Cross. They said he would be “greatly remembered” for his efforts.
A fundraising appeal has been launched by his close friend Charles Brown to help cover repatriation costs. The GoFundMe page explains that the bill for bringing Stephen’s body back to the UK could reach around £20,000 and asks for donations “big or small” to support his family.
In Stephen’s memory, Charles plans to repeat the Bellshill to Perth cycle on Saturday, June 27, five years after the pair completed the same route together with friends.
The fundraiser describes Stephen as “a great friend with a truly kind heart”, a passionate Celtic supporter who followed the team home and away, and someone who loved travelling and creating memories around the world.
Donations can be made via the online fundraiser here.
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