Tuesday 29th April, 2025 at 1:57pm
On 27 March 2023, the Murray family lost a beloved mum, daughter and sister, and Partick Thistle lost one of its most loyal and dedicated supporters, Denise Murray.
Denise was hugely respected by everyone who met her and is sadly missed at Firhill, particularly by those who sat next to her in the Jackie Husband Stand and fans who travelled on the City Centre Supporters’ bus run by dad Duncan and sister Janis.
To help keep her memory alive, Denise’s family and friends created a memorial award that recognises the outstanding contribution made by an individual or group to Partick Thistle or the club’s wider community.
Last year, Charlene O’Hara became the first-ever recipient of the award for the hours of work she put into re-establishing the Partick Thistle Disabled Supporters’ Association.
This year, the Denise Murray Memorial Award was presented to Partick Thistle Charitable Trust at Friday’s match against Falkirk.
Founded in 2011, the Trust runs several programmes designed to engage with, support and empower the people of North Glasgow, regardless of background or circumstances.
Operating from Petershill Park, it has gone from strength-to-strength, making a huge impact in many people’s lives through its initiatives, which have included: The Disability FootbALL Programme; a Friday club for anyone with additional support needs; a programme of physical recreation activities for those with challenging mental health issues; and the Fit-As-A-Thistle programme.
The Trust, with the help of its partners, has also helped feed tens of thousands of children and runs the popular Festive Friends event every Christmas Day, which sees more than 100 guests who would otherwise face Christmas alone enjoy a meal, gifts and entertainment.
In addition to the award – accepted by Fraser Cromar, CEO of Partick Thistle Charitable Trust – the Murray family made a financial donation to the Trust, which they recognise as a vital lifeline for its community.
Fraser said: “I am delighted to have represented Partick Thistle Charitable Trust on Friday and to collect the Denise Murray Memorial Award for 2025.”
“It is great for everyone at the Trust to be recognised for the hard work they do in around the communities of north Glasgow. Everything we do is with the mission of Improving People’s Lives On a Daily Basis at the forefront of our minds.”
“It was also an honour to meet some of Denise’s family post-match in the Aitken Suite for a chat and thank them personally for picking the Trust for this award.”
