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.
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Rest in Peace Kano
Thoughts and prayers to the family
RIP Kano
Thoughts are with Martin’s family.
He leaves a wonderful legacy in the Kano Foundation and the exemplification of what good people can do when they work together.
RIP
Sannabhoy
I’m hopeful that Lee will be keen to keep the connection to the foundation. She won last July over there under Lamont colours so there will be a wee donation coming once the annual accounts are totted up.
Just logged for a for quick look at CQN only to read the sad news about Martin Kane. I’m another who didn’t know him, but was swept way by the Bringing Martin Home campaign and of course the Kano Foundation that came along on the back of it. What a fitting legacy that is.
With sincere and heartfelt condolences to Carolyn and all of Martin’s family and friends.
RIP Martin
Bhoys4ever
Ever been touched and thought you knew someone you have never met? That’s the Kano effect,my little tribute.
Do not stand at my grave and weep
Everytime I see the delight on the weans faces at the games
(most of them their first time) and they are tootin their wee horns
and havin a ball….. I will think of you Martin.
R.I.P. Kano.
Martin Kane may you rest in peace. Your courage was an inspiration. Your legacy and memory will live on forever.
Rest in peace Barry Floyd and may perpetual light shine upon him.
Sorry ghuys messed that up ,apologies H H Hebcelt
Thinking of my old pal Pablophanque also today.
Árd Macha
Very sad news.
Thoughts are with Martin’s family and friends at this time.
RIP Kano
The number of posters on here today that rarely contribute is testament to what a special person Martin was.
our loss is heavens gain
RIP Kano.
Your legacy and memory will live on forever changing lives of many through the Kano foundation.
Sleep tight.
R.I.P. Kano.
I was lucky enough to meet Kano, Ramie and Kitalba shortly after arriving in Perth. They made me feel welcome and gave me a sense of “hame”, even though I was literally just off the plane. I later watched as Kano inspired the Celtic family to pull together to get him hame, and then go on to inspire many others in his name.
I’d bet that he never realised he’d leave such a legacy.
Thoughts and prayers with his family and friends.
R.I.P. Martin Kane YNWA
RIP Kano…
a sad, sad, day for the Celtic & CQN community… but I am sure his friends and family can be comforted and inspired by the legacy of the Kano foundation.
fleagle1888
RIP Martin. Condolences to the Kane Family.
Very sad news.
God bless you,Kano.RIP.
I would like to add my condolences to the wonderful tributes to Martin and to extend them to his wife, children, family and friends.
Gone is another link from the earliest days of CQN.
Gone to join the other heroes of the blog, who have sadly gone before.
His legacy is enshrined in his Foundation, which subsequently inspired many causes taken up by CQN.
Martin never took prisoners, when defending his opinions, so, I hope his Paradise is ready for his presence.
RIP, Kano.
Such sad news.
Rest in Peace Kano.
Sad news this morning.
Rest in peace Kano.
As I sit here typing this in Gran Canaria ( my timing is sheer fluke with celtic here and playing the match tomorrow). I had been a lurker and not really a poster when i first came across this site and i wasn´t sure if i´d ever post as i knew no one on it. I was however moved by the compassion shown by fellow fans on this site all those years ago to help a fellow fan who could have been any one of us struck down with such a horrific illness on the other side of the world. I am privileged to have met many on here who i call friends and i look forward to BMCUW hootenannys to catch up with these kindred spirits who embody why Brother Walfrid set up the club in the first place. Without following Kano´s story I don´t think I would have become as involved with cqn & tried to play a small part in its community & i have Martin to thank for that. His name and his story will forever be part of cqn & in some way part of many of us. His spirit for me has become a catalyst & a key cornerstone in who and what we are on cqn. We love our club, we fall in and out with each other but the legacy achieved in Martin´s name and subsequently with Marys Meals, Wee Oscar etc will hopefully live long in the mind and become a force for good when we pull together. I never got the chance to meet you but as i watch the game tomorrow and sing the songs you will not be far from my thoughts. Rest in Peace Martin & my condolences and thoughts are with your family.
Rest in Peace Kano and sincere condolences to your family.
For me a reminder of our Fans Love of Celtic, Love of Family, Love of the underprivileged and Love of the needy; all things that this Blog aspires to, and often delivers, and that the PLC would do well to continually remind themselves of.
God Bless you and your Family Kano.
TB&F.
Just logged in.
Such sad news.
Lovely words Paul, which show humanity given to others from this site.
The illness suffered by Kano is unimaginable. May he rest in peace.
Thoughts and prayers for his family and friends.
Just logged in to see this sad, sad news. Martin will live on through his family and his legacy will continue through the guys at the foundation who do a wonderful job.
So, so sad yet so proud.
RIP Martin. You’ll get to meet some great people in heaven.
Very sorry to hear of the passing of Martin Kane.
Grand Canary games being shown on premier sports:
http://www.premiersports.tv/
Altho I did not know this man, I do know from reading on that this true gent touched many hearts brought love & kindness to many families who may never have believed that a total stranger could be so caring.
This is what will carry his Legend on for decades to come decades to come.
RIP Kano! You live on in many a heart.
RIP
Rest in Peace, Martin. You leave a remarkable legacy. My thoughts and prayers are with your family and friends.
Chris
Rest in peace Martin. Prayers offered for the repose of your soul. Will rememberCarolyn and your children, family and close friends at Mass tomorrow. Every time I take my seat in 108, I will look over at the Kano section and remember what your goodness prompted others bring about. May the Lord bring you safely home to the Eternal Paradise.
Condolences to all Kano’s family and friends. R.I.P.
Thoughts with everyone affected by the loss of Martin Kane.
I never knew him but as a longtime lurker I am aware of how much this man was valued and cared for. The Celtic Family and especially those who helped financially should be (and are, I know) very proud of what they did for him, and all are in his heart.
Rest peacefully, Martin.
-Tambo-
Been lurking around this board for years, used to post a wee bit around the time when Kano took ill.
Would like to convey my condolences to his family and friends at this very sad time.
The Kano Foundation is a marvellous thing and a fitting memory for a man who was obviously loved and respected by so many.
RIP Kano
Kano brought out the best in everyone it seems, even in his leaving.
That is some testimony.
R.I.P
rip
kano
Gutted to hear this news. I loved posting alongside Kano. A great guy and true Celtic man.
The blog, and the world are poorer places for his passing.
Rest well my friend.
Paul67,
You said ‘memorably’ regarding Pablo not wanting to head up the campaign. My memory’s not great and I’d be grateful if you could elaborate or point me in the right direction.
Árd Macha