Mourners of Paul Ferris are being urged to honour his memory by supporting homeless people in Glasgow, with donations requested for the See The Invisibles charity ahead of his funeral.
Ferris, 62, died on Tuesday, October 6, at University Hospital Ayr, two days after being admitted. His funeral is set to take place at Daldowie Crematorium in Uddingston, near Glasgow, on Monday, October 19.
Family asks for gestures of kindness
In a statement released by his family, relatives of the former gangland figure asked those wishing to pay respects to consider a “gesture of kindness” that could “make a real difference to the lives of others.”
As reported by The Sun, the statement reads: “As family and friends prepare to say their final goodbyes, they are asking those who wish to pay their respects to consider a gesture of kindness that could make a real difference to the lives of others.”
The family has chosen to encourage donations to The Invisibles, also known as See The Invisibles, an independent group whose volunteers work to support some of Glasgow’s most vulnerable people.
Outreach in Glasgow city centre
“Through regular outreach in Glasgow city centre, the group provides hot food, warm drinks, clothing, toiletries and other essential supplies to people sleeping rough and those experiencing financial hardship.”
The statement went on: “A warm meal, dry clothing or a friendly face can offer comfort, dignity and reassurance at a time when life may feel particularly difficult. By inviting donations in Paul’s memory from his family hopes to turn a time of sadness into an opportunity to help others.
“Flowers are a traditional way of expressing sympathy and love, but their beauty is fleeting. A donation, however, could help provide someone with a hot meal, warm clothing or essential supplies when they need them most. It is a meaningful way for those who knew Paul, and those who wish to offer their condolences, to come together in support of people who often go unseen and unheard.
“As Paul’s family and friends remember him and say their final farewells, they hope that this appeal will encourage others to show compassion to those who need it most. Because sometimes, one of the most meaningful ways to honour someone’s memory is to help someone else.”
Cause of death and criminal past
In documents certified by a medical practitioner three days after his passing, his cause of death was listed as “Multiple Organ Failure (Cardiovascular, Liver and Respiratory)” and “Decompensated alcoholic liver disease.” His liver was described as at a critical stage of alcohol-related cirrhosis prior to his passing, meaning it could no longer function.
Ferris, from Blackhill in Glasgow, was originally a feared enforcer for Glasgow crime boss and godfather Arthur Thompson Snr, collecting debts on his behalf. He was put on trial accused of the murder of Arthur Thompson Jnr in 1992 but was cleared after a 54-day case. He was jailed in England in 1998 for gun-running and claimed to have gone completely straight following his release.
It is not known how many figures, if any, from Ferris’s criminal past will attend or if there will be a police presence in case of any trouble.
