The family of Bryan Weir, a Hearts fan who died of brain cancer at 37, have asked supporters to hold a minute's applause in the 37th minute of Thursday's Europa League qualifier against Benfica at Tynecastle. Bryan passed away on August 7 after a year-long battle with cancer, leaving behind his wife Hannah, three-year-old son Alfie, brother Mark, and parents Kevin and Linda.
Brother's tribute
Bryan's brother Mark, a former Bonnyrigg Rose goalkeeper, will attend the game with their father. Mark told Edinburgh Live: "It was a tough year for Bryan fighting the brain tumour. Nothing prepares you for such a loss." He added that a minute's applause would mean so much, and that Bryan and their late grandad, Alan Bryce, who took them to their first Hearts game, will be watching over them.
Mark said: "The response from all over the world - including from Hearts players - has been incredible. We just want to get this out there as much as we can, so Hearts supporters can pay tribute to one of their own."
A dedicated fan
Bryan, a season ticket holder, travelled across Europe to support Hearts, attending away games in Rotterdam, Estonia, and Florence. He was also a well-known figure in amateur football, playing, training, and organising for multiple clubs. He co-founded the 'Packers of Scotland' Facebook page, where he connected with fellow Cheese Heads.
His co-founder described Bryan as "an absolute gem" who "would do anything for anyone" and was "a warrior until the end." A fundraiser to support Bryan's family and raise awareness of brain cancer has raised £17,000 so far.
