Jeff Begg

"Thistle was very close to my late brother Jeff's heart, and when he died, it became very close to mine. Volunteering and now working with Thistle helps me feel close to him and has been my saviour in coping with his loss. I get to meet people who, like Jeff, despite having a long-term condition, illness or disability, turn their lives around and end up helping others.

"Last year I walked the Kiltwalk for Thistle in memory of Jeff. Thistle was so important to him, and he was so important to me. Coming to Thistle changed his life and he was constantly talking about it – the only thing he talked about more than Thistle was Hibs!

"Jeff was someone who always had time for people. He worked as a peer supporter for Thistle after being supported himself with ME/CFS and he was always in motion, going from meeting to meeting with Thistle volunteers, colleagues and the people we support. He would talk to anyone, and every time we went somewhere, he’d always spot someone he knew and stop for a chat.

"At the end of the Kiltwalk, I went to Jeff’s grave and laid a Thistle t-shirt on it to let him know that he is still part of Thistle. It was a very emotional day.

"Thistle did change Jeff’s life for the better but I don’t feel he ever really knew how much Thistle benefitted from knowing him; keeping his memory alive is my way of keeping him as a part of Thistle’s life and mine."