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Daily Record
Daily Record
National
Paul T Smith

Tragic Rangers fan's heartbroken family ask supporters to clap on 17th minute at Braga clash

The family of a young Rangers fan who tragically died from a life-shortening condition are asking supporters to applaud him during the 17th minute of tonight's Europa League quarter-final against Braga.

Mark Nairns was diagnosed with Mitochondrial Myopathy -  a neuromuscular disease which stops cells getting the energy they need to function - when he was six-years-old.

At the time, his parents were told that he probably wouldn't reach his teenage years.

Mark tragically passed away at home surrounded by his family last Saturday April 9, with a celebration of his life held yesterday.

Mark loved to wear his Rangers top (Supplied)

The 17-year-old, from Coalsnaughton in Clackmannanshire, was a massive Rangers fan and went to numerous games before his illness prevented him from attending.

He was also well known to former Gers boss Aly McCoist, who invited him along to a number of games at Ibrox, as well as a visit to their training base.

Speaking after his death, his uncle Keith Shearer, 52, told the Record: "Mark loved football and Rangers were his favourite team.

Mark and his uncle Keith. (Supplied)

"The applause is really to celebrate the 17 precious years Mark was in our lives.

"Mark was diagnosed with Mitochondrial Myopathy, a life shortening condition, when he was a wee boy.

"I was fortunate enough to take Mark to a few games while he was still able to go and Ally McCoist while manager did a lot for Mark too, by arranging visits to the training ground and tickets to a game.

"Mark was even allowed in the press room after a game, and once Aly had done his interview he came right over to ask if Mark was ok and if he enjoyed the game.

A very young Mark with Rangers goalie Allan McGregor, his favourite player (Supplied)

As Mark's condition deteriorated over the past 10 years, he spent a lot of time in and out of hospital.

Keith added: "All Mark wanted to do when he got home from hospital was to pull on his Rangers top, he was proud of his team.

"If this applause was to happen it would make it for an emotional night under the lights at Ibrox. I'll be there tonight, along with a few other who loved Mark.

"I also want the applause to raise awareness about his condition and the Lily Foundation which money has been raised for after Marks service yesterday and will be gifted in his name."

Rangers host Portuguese side Braga in the second leg of their last eight clash at Ibrox tonight, having lost the first game 1-0 away.

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