A Celtic supporter has died while on holiday in the Philippines, prompting an outpouring of tributes from friends and fellow fans. Stephen Harper, 35, from Bellshill, North Lanarkshire, passed away in Manila on June 19, according to his family and friends. He had been travelling across Asia for the past few months before his sudden death.
Family's Heartbreaking Announcement
Stephen's mother, Tracy Harper, shared the devastating news on social media. She wrote: "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."
Fundraiser to Bring Him Home
His friend Charles Brown, who described Stephen as someone with "a truly kind heart," launched a fundraising appeal to bring his body back to Scotland. The campaign has raised more than £15,000 towards repatriation costs. Brown said the response from friends, family, and supporters had been overwhelming. "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."
Tributes from Celtic Supporters' Clubs
Stephen was well known among Celtic supporters and had been a member of the Sons of Donegal Celtic Supporters Club for several years. The club paid tribute: "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 extended its condolences, recalling Stephen's involvement in a sponsored cycle from Bellshill to Perth that raised more than £3,000 towards a statue of Celtic legend Billy McNeill at Bellshill Cross. McNeill, nicknamed "Cesar," captained Celtic's famous Lisbon Lions side and became the first British player to lift the European Cup after leading the club to victory in 1967. 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."
Planned Cycle to Raise Additional Funds
To help raise more money for the appeal, Charles Brown plans to repeat the 100-kilometre cycle from Bellshill to Perth on Saturday, June 27, exactly five years after he and Stephen completed the same challenge alongside friends. Brown 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."
