It is enormously sad news that our friend Kano, Martin Kane, succumbed to his illness this morning. Kano was an ever-present on CQN for four years, on occasion writing our match reports, until illness struck in 2008. He was left completely paralysed, eventually only able to communicate through a machine, requiring round the clock care.
He was isolated in hospital in his home city of Perth, Western Australia, lonely for him and difficult for his wife Carolyn and their family, with no realistic chance of recovery. On hearing this news, CQN reacted in an incredible way. Our also now-departed friend, Pablophanque, wrote, “We need to get this guy home”, and a campaign started to raise the tens of thousands of pounds required to transform part of his home into an appropriate care facility.
As the campaign got underway I remember being concerned, it was going to take at least £60k and I thought we had no chance of getting close to this. Pablo (memorably) didn’t want to head the campaign he started but others soon stepped in and the Bring Martin Home got underway in earnest. Those behind it moved heaven and earth, and within a few months, the money was in place and Kano was back living at home with his family.
The Kano Foundation, a remarkable self-funded organisation which takes kids groups and charities to Celtic games, was established by those running the Bring Martin Home campaign, to harness the expertise and goodwill for on-going good, in Martin’s name.
When I first met Kano’s dad, Matt, who himself is no longer with us, six years ago, I was caught off-guard when he talked about Kano’s life expectancy. Unable to move he was enormously vulnerable to any prosaic infection. He suffered a few health scares but fought through them for far longer than many anticipated.
We got him back on the blog briefly, sharing some of his gratitude for the work done and his humour, but he explained the hours it took to compose his few sentences. He continued to watch Celtic, of course.
This morning our thoughts go to Carolyn and the kids, as well as to his good pal Ramie and those who cared for Martin. Those who decided to get off their arses and change the world for one family back in 2008 should be very proud of what they did, and the years at home they gave Kano.
2,068 Comments- Pages:
- «
- 1
- 2
- 3
- 4
- 5
- 6
- 7
- ...
- 55
- »
no “the” before Martin, sorry
Stunned by this news,
Rest in Peace Kano, You Will Never Walk Alone.
God Bless the Kane family and friends at this sorrowful time
HH
gsu
Rest in Peace.
Martin Kane RIP.
RIP Martin.Condolences to Family and friends.YNWA.
Such sad news about Martin. Thoughts and prayers with his family and friends.
RIP Kano.
May God shine on you Martin Kane for the courage you have shown. May your glory and your name be widely known.
Every time I see the Kano foundation flag at Celtic park I will think of you Kano.
To the family of Martin I offer my deepest condolences and prayers and this sad time.
To Ramie KTF you were a great friend to Martin thoughts and prayers for you at this time.
Sannabhoy my thoughts and prayers are with you also today. The work you all do in Martins name is incredible. KTF.
Martin Kane RIP YNWA
RIP Martin Kane.
I never knew Martin but felt I did through CQN.
Take joy in what he has left for us.
Rest in Peace Martin. Prayers said.
RIP KANO. YNWA
Sad news indeed.
Rest in peace Martin.
You’ll Never Walk Alone
RIP Kano, your legacy lives on. Thoughts and prayers for family and friends.
God bless.
YNWA
Rest in Peace brave Martin.
You touched many hearts.
Condolences to all family & friends.
RIP Martin
In Nomine Patris et Fili et Spiritus Sancti
RIP Kano – Our thoughts and prayers for you and your family.
RIP Kano
Condolences to all his family and friends.
YNWA
Well said, Paul67.
My thoughts are with Kano’s family and friends.
RIP Kano
RIP Kano
Sad news. I didn’t know Martin, but it is quite apparent that he was loved by many who knew him or knew only of him.
God bless Martin and God bless his family as they deal with their loss.
YNWA
RIP Martin
Martin Kane, YNWA.
RIP Martin.
Very sad news this morning.
YNWA
LB
Paul 67
Could we sponsor two people to fly out to Australia for the funeral of Martin, l and a l know a number of people on Cqn would provide funds for this, what do you think, and l would propose you and Sannabhoy as our representatives
RIP Kano
RIP Martin YNWA.
Rest in Peace Martin. Condolences to family and friends.
Just wanted to add my condolences.
Another desperately sad reminder to us all of the fragility of our lives here.
RIP Martin.
RIP
Martin Kane
Thoughts are with his family and many friends
YNWA
Sad sad news , Kano ,Martin, Rest in Peace now mate. You were a shining light. Your wife and family and friends will miss you badly, my thoughts are with them in their grief. Your memory will live long. Hail Hail Martin.
May God grant Kano eternal rest.
Rest in peace Martin.
May eternal light shine upon you!
Prayers said for those that remain.
A very sad day indeed.
Timoot 58
RIP Martin , thoughts and prayers for Carolyn, the family and great friends,Ramie and Kitalba. Martin was one of the early CQN ‘ Greats’ along with a few others who also sadly passed away and are greatly missed on CQN.Our thoughts and prayers for them all.
Timoot & The Singtims.
Rest in peace por cierto
RIP Martin Kane.
Rest in Peace Kano.
TT
RIP Martin Kane.
Your light will never go out.
RIP Martin
My thoughts are with those closest to him