Video: A minute’s applause for Jamie Gibson in the Reds’ game against Brentford
The close friend of a lifelong Forest fan who died last week was ’emotional to see thousands showing their support’ during last night’s game against Brentford.
A minute’s applause took place at the City Ground yesterday (Tuesday, March 7) in memory of lifelong Reds fan Jamie Gibson, 34, who tragically lost his battle with mental health on Wednesday (March 1).
His friend Adam Hayes organised the tribute on social media, creating the hashtag ‘#OurJamie’ on Twitter to raise awareness and generate support online.
Adam, who attended matches with Jamie, most recently the 2-1 home victory against Aston Villa on February 4, says he formally approached the club who were supportive in organising an official tribute at the City Ground in the 34th minute – marking Jamie’s age.
Adam attended last night’s game – a match in which Forest succumbed to a 3-2 defeat against the Bees – with Jamie’s brother Leith, who travelled from Manchester.
Adam said: “It was truly emotional to see thousands showing their support for Jamie’s family.
“I decided quickly we needed to create a hashtag so people could leave tributes and his friends and family could pay their respects to him.
“Jamie had a relentless love for his friends and family.
“All his friends have come together and I believe this is the start of something special.”
Please Read, RT, Like and share on all social media websites we need this to travel round fast… #nffc #OurJamie #nffcfamily #BrentfordFC pic.twitter.com/jV4HYUypaN
— Forever Nffc (@Forevernffc79) March 5, 2017
There will also be a tribute in the club’s match day programme in a fortnight’s time against Derby County – ‘a fixture that shares a lot of memories with Jamie’.
The pair got to know each other through working in the bar industry, and Adam says Jamie helped him ‘massively’ as a friend and gym partner after he was released from home care after suffering a stroke in December 2013.
Adam, 32, a hospitality professional, from Birmingham, says Jamie was a ‘well-loved bar and club photographer’ and they both shared a passion for the Reds.
Jamie photographed charity events, organised by Adam, to raise money for the Stroke Association.
He also ran to raise funds for the Motor Neurone Disease Association, a cause close to the family.
Adam said: “We plan to continue Jamie’s efforts in raising funds for mental health charities and will use the hashtag #OurJamie so people can follow our progress. Jamie’s memory will live on through the loved ones he leaves behind.
“I also need to thank Frankie Syson [@Forevernffc79] who helped me spread the word on Twitter.”
