In Loving Memory of Sammy Johnston

A beloved Husband and Dad, Sammy Johnston, passed away on the 14th August 2025, after a courageous battle with stage 4 brain cancer (glioblastoma) at just 58 years old.

About Sammy

Sammy was a man who truly lived life to the fullest. From a young age, football was his passion, and he went on to have a successful career playing for clubs between 1984–1990 including:

⚽ St Johnstone

⚽ Ayr United

⚽ Partick Thistle

⚽ Ballymena United

⚽ Stranraer

⚽ Glenavon

⚽ Finn Harps

⚽Coleraine

⚽Pollok Juniors

⚽Neilston Juniors (management )

⚽Arthurlie Juniors ( coaching )

After hanging up his boots, Sammy built a new career with HPE, working his way up through dedication and hard work, and taking great pride in the job he did.

But beyond football and work, Sammy’s true joy was in his family. A devoted husband to Annmarie, and a proud father to Mathew and Stephanie, he was the heart of our family. Everyone who met him came away with a smile, a laugh, or a story to tell — his warmth and humour touched so many lives.

His Journey with Brain Cancer

Sammy’s diagnosis of glioblastoma came as a huge shock to us all. At just 58, we never expected to face such devastating news. Through the hardest days, St Vincent’s Hospice in Howwood were there not only for Sammy, but for all of us as a family. Their compassion, care, and support gave us treasured time together and helped us through moments we never thought we’d be able to face.

We will never be able to thank them enough — but we can help them continue their work for other families like ours.

Our Goal

As a family and with friends across the UK, Spain, and Dubai (where Sammy spent cherished time), we will be organising fundraising events over the next year including:

🏃‍♂️ Marathons & 10Ks

⛳ Golf Days

🏔️ Munro Climbs

🎶 Gala Dinners and more

Together, we aim to raise £50,000 in one year in Sammy’s memory to support St Vincent’s Hospice, ensuring other families receive the same compassion, care, and dignity that we did.

How You Can Help

We would be so grateful if you could support us by donating, sharing this page, or even joining us at one of our fundraising events. Every contribution, no matter how big or small, will make a difference.

This is not just about remembering Sammy — it’s about giving back in his name, and making sure that other families are surrounded with the same love and support that carried us through.

One final goal for Sammy!!

Thank you from the bottom of our hearts,

Annmarie, Mathew & Stephanie Johnston