A Scottish football fan has died while on holiday in the Philippines, prompting an outpouring of tributes and a fundraising campaign to bring his body home. Stephen Harper, 35, from Bellshill, North Lanarkshire, passed away in Manila on June 19, according to his family and friends.
Family confirms tragic death
Harper's mother, Tracy Harper, broke the news on social media, stating: "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."
It is understood that Harper had been travelling for several months before his unexpected death. His friend Charles Brown, who described him as having "a truly kind heart," launched a GoFundMe appeal to cover the costs of repatriating his body to Scotland. As of the latest update, the campaign has raised over £16,000.
Friend's tribute and fundraising cycle
Brown expressed his grief, saying: "I can't really put into words how heartbroken I am. 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."
To boost funds, Brown plans to cycle 100 kilometres from Bellshill to Perth on Saturday, June 27, exactly five years after he and Harper completed the same challenge with friends. 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."
Celtic community mourns
Harper was a familiar face among Celtic supporters and had been a member of the Sons of Donegal Celtic Supporters Club for several years. The club paid tribute, stating: "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 condolences, recalling Harper's participation in a sponsored cycle from Bellshill to Perth that raised over £3,000 for a statue of Celtic legend Billy McNeill at Bellshill Cross. McNeill, known as "Cesar," captained Celtic's Lisbon Lions team and became the first British player to lift the European Cup 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."
