Celtic captain Callum McGregor has sent a heartfelt letter to Paul Lennon, the founder of the Thai Tims, telling him that Celtic are “with him” as he battles an aggressive brain tumour. Paul Lennon, 60, was diagnosed with Grade 4 Glioblastoma (IDH-wildtype), a condition that typically gives patients a life expectancy of between 12 and 18 months.
Letter of support
The letter, sent on behalf of Celtic Football Club, urged the kind-hearted dad to keep fighting. It read: "On behalf of myself, the team and everyone else at Celtic Football Club, we would like to send our best regards and let you know that you are very much in our thoughts. We know that you are having a difficult time, but we hope you can find strength. We hope you can find moments of peace and comfort amidst the difficult days. Facing these challenges takes real courage and I know you will lean on the love and support around you during this time. We are all with you. With warmest wishes, Callum McGregor."
Paul's family were overwhelmed by the gesture. In a statement online, they said: "On behalf of the Lennon family, we would like to express our gratitude to Glasgow Celtic Football Club for sending their encouraging support to Paul Lennon during his illness. Paul received your message and feels truly touched and deeply grateful. We would also like to thank team captain Callum McGregor and all the players. We feel deeply honoured by your kindness toward us."
Life dedicated to helping children
Paul has devoted his life to helping children with Down’s syndrome in rural Thailand with his wife Pun for more than 20 years. They do this through their Good Child Foundation, which they started after their son, Berni, was born with the condition. Paul taught the children English using Celtic songs, aiming to give opportunities to those excluded from mainstream education.
Videos of the children, known as the Thai Tims, singing Hoops favourites attracted millions of views online, making them a viral sensation. They performed at Celtic Park and appeared on Sky TV's Soccer AM.
Paul is currently receiving palliative care after undergoing major brain surgery, which has left him unable to communicate.
Legacy of Reamonn Gormley
Paul also worked tirelessly to keep the memory of murdered Blantyre teenager Reamonn Gormley alive. Reamonn volunteered at the Good Child Foundation in 2010 and was stabbed to death the following year. Paul formed a partnership with Blantyre Soccer Academy in his memory and organised tributes, including a charity version of Just Can't Get Enough, raising money for the foundation and Crimestoppers.
He oversaw the construction of the Reamonn Gormley Memorial Hall at the charity's school in Chanthaburi Province, painted in Celtic's colours, to provide a place for children to learn and perform music. Blantyre Soccer Academy continues to support the foundation through their annual memorial festival and dinner.
