An AIRDRIE family have been reunited with their late father’s signed Airdrieonians football strip thanks to the generosity of their local opticians.
June Nelson was at the Airdrie branch of Specsavers for a routine eye examination when she noticed a signed Airdrie strip on the waiting room wall.
Smiling as she spotted the signature of her late ex-husband Jim Frame, she shared a photo with their three children saying: “Dad really is everywhere.”
Jim, was a much-loved kit manager and general helping hand for Airdrieonians for almost 20 years, and a lifelong supporter of the club.
He was a popular figure with players and staff alike, and as a tribute he was honoured with the John Ballantyne Award in 2018.
After battling ill-health following a terminal cancer diagnosis, he sadly passed away in May at the age of 73.
In tribute June said: “Although we were divorced, we had been married for 25 years and still held a great friendship and close family bond with our three children and seven grandchildren.
“I was amazed to see his signature on the strip hanging in Specsavers. I mentioned it to the manager in passing but I didn’t expect a phone call offering to gift it to our family.
“We’re thrilled to bits. I’m so thankful to Specsavers, and the framed strip is now proudly hanging in our son’s house.”
Laura Mullett, store director of Specsavers in Airdrie and Coatbridge, said: “We’ve proudly displayed the Airdrie FC top in our store for a number of years after a historic sponsorship of the Under-19’s team, but we are delighted to be able to reunite Jim Frame’s family with this treasured item.
“My family have been lifelong supporters of the club too and I remember attending games and seeing Jim on the sidelines. It’s community connections like this that make me really proud to be a director in my local town.”
Jim Junior was over the moon when he was presented with the treasured top by Alison Grieve of the Specsavers Airdrie store, which now has pride of place in his home.
