A PORT man who lost his dad to cancer just a month after he was diagnosed with the disease is honouring his memory -–by walking more than 20 miles to Celtic Park.
Sean O’Brien, from Auchenbothie Avenue, was devastated when his dad Jake, inset, died six years ago at the age of just 58.
The former Erskine care home worker was diagnosed with the disease in 2010 and tragically passed away just weeks later.
Now in a touching tribute to the father-of-three, son Sean will walk around 22 miles from the Port to the home of their beloved football team to raise money for Macmillan Cancer Support. The 31-year-old will retrace the steps his dad took many years ago when he completed the same journey in aid of charity.
Sean told the Tele: “My dad was diagnosed in May and passed away in June.
“It was very accelerated.
“My dad was a presence in the town – well-known and loved in the Port all his life.
“Macmillan cared for him and the care they provided was amazing.
“They couldn’t do enough for him.
“I’ve attended a few coffee mornings for them before and hopefully this will help with their endeavours.”
Sean is planning to complete the pilgrimage to Parkhead on October 22 and has roped in cousin Michael Simpson and friend Gavin Kelly, who are both originally from the Port but now live outwith the area.
He has already raised almost £900 through his online JustGiving page, with that rising to more than £1,100 thanks to gift aid and other add-ons.
He said: “My dad had done the walk before himself and I’m going to do it the same way, along all the old roads, through Parkhill and Bishopton.
“I’m excited about it.
“The target generated by JustGiving was £600 and I’m overwhelmed by people’s generosity.
“This is not for me, it’s for people who might need the service in the future.”
To sponsor Sean, visit www.justgiving.com/fundraising/seanobrien20161