'Huge-hearted' Edinburgh dad set to be remembered with minute's applause at Tynecastle after sudden death
A ‘huge-hearted’ Edinburgh dad and lifelong Hearts fan who died suddenly at the age of just 33 is to be honoured with a minute’s applause at his beloved Tynecastle.
The family of Graeme Taylor, who died on February 28, hope the touching tribute will see the stadium erupt in applause during the 33rd minute of Saturday’s game against Dundee, which is set to kick off at 3pm.
His cousin, Laura Thomson, said: “I wanted a minute’s applause for him to be recognised as he had so many social groups of friends and was loved by all of them.
“He was kind, genuine, funny, always up for a prank, loving, caring. He was a really nice person and got on with everyone. We’ll all miss his cheeky smile and banter.”
She added that Graeme, who lived in Oxgangs and worked in construction, had been living in hope that he’d see his team win the league and said the applause would mean a lot to those close to him.
Graeme, who loved football and fishing, leaves behind his one-year-old son Ryan - for whom Graeme’s close friends have set up a fundraising page. The page has so far raised more than £11,000 - almost four times the initial £3,000 target.
Tyree Wilson, who set up the page, paid tribute to his friend, who he said ‘would have done anything for anyone - and usually did’.
He said: “Anyone who had the privilege of knowing Graeme will remember his huge heart, his generosity, and the way he would drop everything to help someone out. He truly would have done anything for anyone — and usually did.
“The boys and I would love to do something in his memory by having a whip round, with all donations going to his mum to put aside for his handsome wee lad, Ryan. We hope this can be a small way of showing our love and support, and of giving Ryan something from all the people whose lives his dad touched.
“Any donation, big or small, would mean the world. And let’s be honest — if Graeme ever wound you up, took the mick, or made you bite (which he definitely did at some point!), then it’s only fair you double it in his honour.
“Thank you for helping us celebrate Graeme’s life and for supporting his family at such a difficult time. He would be blown away by the love — and probably taking credit for organising it.”
Graeme’s funeral will be held at Mortonhall Crematorium on Friday, March 27 at 1pm. His family have asked that those attending wear bright clothing and football tops in his memory.
To donate to the fundraising page, visit https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/tyree-wilson
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