MORTON have unveiled a new memorial plaque in a lasting tribute to an inspirational lifelong fan who defied a genetic disorder to follow the club home and away.
Bryan Purdue, who sadly died last year at the age of 45, was believed to be one of the longest survivors of Duchenne muscular dystrophy in the country.
The condition carries a life expectancy of just 26.
Bryan was a former Morton Supporters' Trust official and helped to fundraise for the disabled fans' section at Cappielow.
He also arranged an annual supporters match which raised thousands of pounds for the club's youth academy and set up the club's disabled supporters association.
When he passed away following a spell in hospital, tributes poured in from fellow fans.
His family were recently invited along to Cappielow for the unveiling of the plaque in his honour.
The late Gourock man devoted time to raising thousands of pounds for charity and was also a researcher for the best-selling Football Manager computer game series.
When he spoke to the Tele on his 40th birthday, modest Bryan, who latterly lived independently in his own flat in Greenock, said he did not view himself as a role model for others, despite fundraising exploits such as collecting £10,000 from a charity skydive he organised which was undertaken by a host of his friends in 2014.
A Morton spokesperson said: "We recently welcomed the family of Bryan Purdue to Cappielow to unveil a plaque in his memory.
"A committed and lifelong Ton fan, Bryan was known to many around Cappielow and will always be remembered."
Bryan was diagnosed with Duchenne at the age of just six but despite being wheelchair-bound and reliant on a ventilator to breathe, he went on to lead a very busy and active life, including gaining a degree in business IT and working for the former Abbey National bank for several years.
He was a passionate music fan and gig-goer and in recent years had taken up art and posted his talented mouth painting pieces online.
Morton general manager Dale Pryde-MacDonald says the new plaque is a 'fitting tribute for an avid supporter of the club who fundraised tirelessly to support the inclusive area' at Cappielow.
He added: "Although I was never fortunate enough to meet Bryan, its clear to see his legacy lives on at our club."
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