St Johnstone supporter living with advanced terminal cancer named Fan of the Year

A St Johnstone supporter living with advanced terminal cancer has been named the Scottish Football Supporters Association’s Fan of the Year.

Stewart Falconer was presented with the award during Sunday’s match at McDiarmid Park, recognising his work for local food banks.

Despite his terminal diagnosis, Stewart continues to attend every Saints game he can, even after a day of painful and debilitating medical treatment.

And without fail, he will arrive with a heavy carrier bag or two full of groceries to donate to the Saint Fans Supporting Foodbanks collections.

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Following his award win, he said: “[My family were delighted], yes very much so. But I see it as more for the foodbanks and all that they’re doing. The foodbanks do a great job.

“My dream will be complete when we don’t need a foodbank.”

Colin MacKay, who organises the St Johnstone food bank, said: “At a time when football fans often get bad press (sometimes justified), Stewart is a shining example of what every football fan should strive to be.

Stewart Falconer with his daughters. STV News

“The motto of Fans Supporting Foodbanks is “hunger doesn’t wear club colours”, and in Stewart’s case, he has proved that neither does empathy and kindness.

“Stewart, and the example he sets, is not only a credit to his beloved St Johnstone but to Scottish Football as a whole.”