25/01/2026
I just want to take a minute to talk about this great man. We were by no means close mates, but he was a real mate. In July 2024, I succumbed to my own mental battles and decided I was leaving the stage permanently. I come round in intensive care in Southport General. It was the same time they poor 3 girls had been killed, I wasn’t aware of the carnage around me, or the pain and carnage I had caused my loved ones. A nurse said to me, “I’ve no idea how you pulled through”. For me it felt like the worst news ever. I can count on one hand , how many people reached out to me, to give me support. The Big man did. I lay in my hospital bed exchanging messages with him. Giving me all the support and advice after his own battles. He gave me a massive lift. I’ve moved on, struggling, but building my own business. I’m glad today it wasn’t a successful attempt. I wish I could have been able to return the favour to Gav. My love and thoughts go out to all his family. He was a great guy, a good laugh, but more importantly than anything, a great Dad. I, like everyone else, have good memories of days out and away. I Took him to watch Everton and had been banging on about this 15 year old kid who was gonna be the next Paul Gascoigne. He said, shut up Scouse. The kid came on as a sub, he rockets the ball in the top corner from 35 yards. The kid was someone called Wayne Rooney.He turns as says to me, “Ooh ya fu**er Scouse. You’re right for once “. As Paddy the baddy reiterated last night, “Men don’t talk.” There’s a stigma in this world that men can’t talk. Listen, if you’re a man and you’ve got a weight on your shoulders, and you think the only way you can solve it is by killing yourself, please speak to someone. Speak to anyone,” Paddy said. “I know I’d rather my mate cry on my shoulder than go to his funeral next week.” Men, we’re in a mental health crisis here. Men and women in Perthshire. If you’re struggling, please reach out to someone. I’ll take a message from anyone, and everyone. Thanks to Carrie for the lovely pic, and thanks to Tony and his family for permission to post this. RIP GAV💙💙💙
