Marcus Kane says the support he and his family received from the Irish League family helped him through the "toughest time" he has ever faced.
A week before Christmas in 2019 Marcus and his wife Aimee's world fell apart following the tragic death of their son Harrie just a matter of weeks before he was due to be born.
It was a devastating time for the family but they were determined to keep Harrie's name alive raising over £50,000 for for Bereavement Care at the Royal Maternity Hospital in Belfast.
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Reflecting on his career as he prepares for his testimonial against St Mirren on Wednesday evening the Glentoran captain praised the incredible support from throughout the league, and in particular from the Glens and Linfield fans during the Boxing Day game back in 2019.
“We were at home watching it because there was no way I could go, I couldn’t even get out of bed some days at that stage," said Kane.
“I came back the following January and played against Ballymena, which looking back was very early, but I thought it would help me through the toughest time I had ever faced.
"The next week me, Aimee and our daughter Mollie went to Alder Hey Children’s Hospital where Harrie went to for his post mortem, because you can’t get it done in Northern Ireland.
“Elaine from Alder Hey was brilliant. She sat us down and talked us through everything, trying to help us understand the process.
“Aimee came up with the idea of raising money for charity in memory of Harrie.
"After watching the fans from both clubs on Boxing Day we realised it wasn’t just Glenmen supporting us.
"We started talking more seriously about it, we wanted to keep Harrie’s name alive and it’s really emotional for us, but it brings a smile to our faces remembering the support we got from everywhere.
“The support was awesome from the GFC board, to the fans and anyone who spoke to me. There was nothing but sympathy throughout the league. Mick (McDermott) was manager at that time and he couldn’t have done more to help me.
“The response to #HikeforHarrie, was amazing. It showed me how family, friends and supporters, even people I didn’t know, held me in high regard.
"I’m a normal Belfast lad and don’t have an ego - unless of-course I’m singing - but it made me feel important. Obviously the league gets a lot of stick, but how they reacted was incredible."
Supporters can show their support for Kane once more at the Blanchflower Stadium on Wednesday evening as St Mirren come to take on Glentoran.
Kane is relishing the game as the perfect end to his testimonial season.
“Personally for me, it’s been a great season, with all the events the testimonial committee and supporters clubs organised, the season was topped off with the team securing the European play-offs, I couldn’t have asked for more," he said.
"To secure St Mirren for my Testimonial Match was brilliant and I’m excited to be welcoming Stephen Robinson and his team to the Blanchflower and I look forward to seeing everyone there."
Kick-off at the Blanchflower Stadium is 7.45pm.
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