Celtic fans to pay tribute to 22-year-old dad killed on Carlisle motorway
CELTIC fans are set to pay tribute to a young supporter and dad who lost his life after being hit by a car near Carlisle over the weekend.
John Burns was struck on September 14 on the M6 motorway, at junction 42, near Carlisle at around 8pm. [1]
It's been reported that the 22-year-old had 'boarded the wrong bus' following Celtic's fixture against Hearts earlier that day.
A fundraising page[2] has been set up to help the family of Mr Burns, with almost £5,000 raised so far.
A tribute to the 22-year-old on the GoFundMe page reads: "John was loved by all his family and friends, he was just about to turn 23 years old and sadly god took him too soon.
"He has a gorgeous wee boy and partner and really was adored for just being wee John.
"Please let’s take some pressure off his mum. John will leave a footprint in our hearts forever," it reads.
Several Celtic social media pages have called on supporters to hold a minute's applause for Mr Burns in the 23rd minute during tonight's Champions League game against Slovan Bratislava (September 18).
On X, Celtic Fan Group posted: "This is John. He recently lost his life aged just 22.
"No age at all.
"He was at the Celtic game on Saturday.
This is John. He recently lost his life aged just 22. No age at all. He was at the Celtic game on Saturday. No one should ever go to a game and not come home, NO ONE.
We ask that you please join in the minutes applause on the 23rd minute on Wednesday night.
Rest easy John🍀💚 pic.twitter.com/f2WgQngMzA[3]
— CelticFanGroup (@CelticFanGroup) September 16, 2024[4]
"No one should ever go to a game and not come home, no one.
"We ask that you please join in the minute applause on the 23rd minute on Wednesday night. Rest easy John," they wrote.
A spokesperson from Cumbria Police said: "Officers are continuing to appeal for information requesting anyone who witnessed a pedestrian or has dashcam and were travelling in the area of junction 42 either on the roundabout/bridges or travelling on the M6 Northbound and Southbound between 7:50pm and 8:10pm on 14 September to contact police so an officer can review any footage.
"Anyone with information relating to this incident can report online at www.cumbria.police.uk/report-it, quoting incident number 238 of 14 September 2024.
"You can also phone on 101.
"Alternatively, you can contact Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111," they said.
References
- ^ at junction 42, near Carlisle at around 8pm. (www.newsandstar.co.uk)
- ^ A fundraising page (www.gofundme.com)
- ^ pic.twitter.com/f2WgQngMzA (t.co)
- ^ September 16, 2024 (twitter.com)