Two great loves of late Aviemore school janitor Steven Gibb come together for fundraiser

A fundraiser this weekend will bring two great loves together of an Aviemore school janitor who passed away unexpectedly earlier this year.

Stevie Gibb loved his football and the village’s primary school where he had worked for the past 17 years until his untimely death in February.

This Saturday will see a Speyside United select - a side founded and coached by Mr Gibb many years ago - and local welfare outfit Aviemore Thistle.

The Mr Gibb Memorial football match kicks off on the school pitch at 3pm.

Related article:

Tributes paid to larger than life Aviemore school janitor after sudden death

His wife Angela said: “Saturday will be a very special and emotional day for me.

“It is extremely moving to see all of the boys come together again after so many years to show their respect and play for Steven.

“Speyside Utd meant so much to Steven as he used it to teach the boys some very valuable life skills. For example respect, discipline and hard work.

“He installed these life skills into the boys from as young as 12 years old all the way up to when they played in the men’s team.

“I’m really proud of my sons Kenneth and Ross for coming up with the idea and the help in organising this event in honour of their dad.

“Steven may be gone but he will certainly never be forgotten and it would be lovely if we could make this an annual event.”

She added: “Steven was very passionate about doing all he could for the school so this would have meant a great deal to him.”

James Brannan is manager of Speyside United’s select side on the day and he said: “I’m really excited to lead the team into the match on Saturday, in memory of my cousin Steven.

“It is going to be a fantastic way to celebrate the memory of a great man who done so much for so many people within our community.

“We have been raising funds for Aviemore Primary school PTA as the school was very close to to Steven’s heart and I’m sure he would be proud and overwhelmed with the incredible support shown by so many,

“I would like to extend my thanks to the businesses and people who have donated and shown so much support.

“I would also like to give a massive shout out to the boys in my Speyside Utd team for their efforts in making this event possible.

“We have boys who are still active in their football career along with some veterans who are stepping out of retirement especially for this occasion.

“Each and everyone of them deserves massive respect.

“We are hoping this can be an annual event to keep the memory of Steven living on and use it to continuously support others in the same way he lived his life.”

Mr Gibb died of natural causes at his home in the village’s Craigellachie Crescent just a few days before he would have turned 57.

The sudden death of the popular janitor came as a huge shock to the whole community.

He was a well-loved and respected figure with pupils, parents and staff over the years at his workplace.

Everyone is welcome to come along to support the event and the two teams. Donations are welcome on the day.

There has also been a request for donated items to go into hampers which will be raffled off on the day.

Items can be dropped drop off at the school office up to the end of today.

There will also be a separate raffle for a four-ball at Castle Stuart by Inverness. The draw will be made at the British Legion after the match.

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