A Falkirk pensioner with stage four cancer has moved the country to tears with his reaction to Scotland’s Euro 2020 heroics against Serbia.
Willie Thomson was gripped by the football on Thursday as he took in the action from his bedside at Strathcarron Hospice in Denny.
Staff at the hospice shared a picture of the ecstatic 79-year-old as he celebrated the result - which secured the men’s team a place at a major tournament for the first time in 22 years.
The snap showed him ‘beaming from ear to ear’ as he lofted his arms in triumph.
Scotland boss Steve Clarke took notice of the reaction and sent his own personal message to an overjoyed Willie.
He said: “A message for Willie at Strathcarron Hospice - I saw your picture on Twitter and it’s fantastic to see you with that smile on your face, it says what it means to everybody in the country.
“I hope you enjoyed the night, I hope you’re proud of the boys, the performance and we’re certainly proud of you. Take care.”
Staff at Strathcarron filmed his response as he watched the clip from bed.
“I wanted to tell him that his style of play is what caused it all”, Willie said.
“He’s a magic manager.”
Willie currently has stage four cancer in his bones and is receiving palliative care at Strathcarron Hospice.
The hospice has been devastated by the coronavirus pandemic since it swept Scotland earlier this year.
Staff say Willie’s incredible reaction to the result has given everyone a much-needed lift during this difficult time.
Ward Manager, Susan Bateman told the Daily Record : “The last eight months at the Hospice have been a very difficult and emotional time.
“Overnight on the 23rd March, the atmosphere within the Hospice building changed from a warm and welcoming place where cuddles were on tap, to an empty shell of a building with only our frontline staff remaining to provide essential care for our patients.
“Families were asked to leave saying goodbye to their loved ones for what might've been the last time, and both staff, patients and families have shed many tears of sadness, worry and frustration over the last eight months.
“Despite this, staff have continued to shine and have tried so hard to keep glimmers of what we used to do alive.
“We have continued to care for all those who have needed us, bringing comfort and, we hope, some joy.
“Willie's story has not only lifted Willie but it has lifted the hearts of the staff.
“To witness the joy from Willie has been the most amazing gift and has made the heartache over the last eight months to melt away.”
More information on donating to the hospice can be found here.
