Scottish soccer fan dies in Philippines as tributes pour in for ‘kind-hearted’ man
Stephen Harper, 35, from Bellshill, died in Manila on June 19, and his family and friends have launched a fundraising appeal to bring his body home to Scotland
Stephen Harper sadly died(Image: GoFundMe)
A Celtic supporter has tragically passed away while on holiday in the Philippines. Stephen Harper, 35, from Bellshill, died in Manila on 19 June, as confirmed by his family and friends.
It’s understood that he had been travelling for several months prior to his unexpected death. Stephen’s mum, Tracy Harper, shared the devastating news on social media.
She stated: “With broken hearts, we share the sad news that our much-loved son Stephen passed away while travelling in 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.”
His mate Charles Brown, who described him as a person with “a truly kind heart”, has initiated a fundraising campaign to bring his body back to Scotland. He has collected more than £16,000 towards repatriation costs, and said the response from friends, family and supporters had been overwhelming, reports the Daily Record.
“I can’t really put into words how heartbroken I am,” he said.
“Harper had been travelling these past few months and was currently in Manila, Philippines, when he lost his life.
“He was a great friend with a truly kind heart. He was a passionate supporter of Celtic FC and rarely missed a match, following the team home and away.
“He also had a love for travel and enjoyed exploring the world, creating memories wherever he went. He will be fondly remembered and greatly missed by all who knew him.”
Stephen was a familiar face among Celtic fans and had been part of the Sons of Donegal Celtic Supporters Club for several years.
In a heartfelt tribute, the club stated: “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 expressed its sympathy to Stephen’s family, remembering his participation in a sponsored cycle from Bellshill to Perth that raised over £3,000 towards a statue of Celtic legend Billy McNeill at Bellshill Cross.
Known as “Cesar”, McNeill led Celtic’s renowned Lisbon Lions team and became the first British player to hoist the European Cup after guiding the club to triumph in 1967.
In a tribute, the committee said: “Stephen is pictured below when himself and Bhoys from the Bellshill Brigada completed a sponsored cycle from Bellshill to Perth, raising more than £3,000 for Cesar’s statue, which now proudly stands at Bellshill Cross.
“Rest in eternal peace Stephen. You’ll never walk alone.”
In a bid to boost funds for the appeal, Charles is also set to undertake the 100-kilometre cycle from Bellshill to Perth on Saturday, June 27, marking exactly five years since he and Stephen tackled the same challenge with mates.
He added: “I plan on repeating this cycle to help raise as much money as possible to get my pal back home. Any donations would be greatly appreciated.”
You can contribute to the fundraiser here.
