On September 5, 1931 Celtic’s goalkeeper, John Thomson, sadly lost his life aged just 22, following a collision during a match against Rangers at Ibrox Stadium, a few days earlier.

As his funeral approached, many fans, unable to afford the train fare to attend his funeral, walked from Glasgow and from all over the West of Scotland, to Fife to attend his funeral and pay their last respects. 

To commemorate both John and the dedication of the support, in 2011 almost 50 supporters marked the 80th anniversary of his passing with a pilgrimage, recreating those steps that so many took in 1931, to attend his funeral.

90 years have now passed since that fateful day and, in honour of the Prince of Goalkeepers, Celtic Graves Society - in association with the John Thomson Memorial Committee - have organised another 54 mile pilgrimage from Celtic Park, to his graveside in Cardenden, to mark the anniversary.

Through our efforts, we have chosen to support two fantastic beneficiary organisations, in Celtic FC Foundation and Cardenden Community Fridge and are we humbly requesting your support in the form of donations, no matter how big or small.

Celtic FC Foundation upholds and promotes the charitable principles and heritage of Celtic Football Club. The Foundation’s ethos is typified by a determination to create opportunities for society’s most vulnerable and marginalised groups –principally, addressing the root causes of poverty by equipping individuals with the tools and means to reverse inequality.

Cardenden Community Fridge operates out of the Bowhill Centre and serves the local community, through the provision of fresh produce and perishables such as bread, milk, butter and eggs, as well as a selection of dried food such as rice, pasta, cereals, and tinned food. The Community Fridge is available as an alternative to a foodbank, when local residents only require enough food to get them by for a couple of days.

Donations to this page will be paid direct to Celtic FC Foundation who will arrange, on our behalf, to pass on 50% of the proceeds to Cardenden Community Fridge.

Thank you for your wonderful ongoing support of Celtic Graves Society, and our chosen beneficiaries and for keeping John Thomson forever in our collective memory.