Football is often described as just a game, but for Mary Morris, it was the lifeline that sustained her husband during his brave battle with Motor Neurone Disease (MND). Now, just over a year after his passing, the widow of lifelong Heart of Midlothian fan Stevie Morris is returning to Tynecastle Park not just to remember him, but to ensure others can find the same solace in the beautiful game.
Mary, 65, has begun volunteering with the Big Hearts Community Trust, channeling her grief into a powerful force for good. Her mission is simple yet profound: to help older fans, particularly those living with dementia and social isolation, unlock their pasts through the “Memories” group. It is a poignant tribute to Stevie, a man whose passion for the Jambos never wavered, even as his health declined.
A Lifeline During the Darkest Days
Stevie Morris was more than just a fan; he was a fixture of the Hearts community. A season ticket holder from Mid Calder, his diagnosis with MND in February 2021 came as a devastating blow to his family, including his son Craig. However, rather than letting the illness define his final years, Stevie and his family found an unwavering support system within the walls of Tynecastle Park.
The connection between the club and the fight against MND is deeply personal. Following the tragic death of Scottish Cup-winning captain Marius Žaliūkas to the same disease in 2020, the club and its supporters have rallied around MND Scotland. For Stevie, this solidarity was tangible.
“Hearts gave Stevie his life right to the end,” Mary reflected, her voice filled with emotion. “I truly believe football kept him going. Even when he couldn’t travel to away matches, they made sure he had the match programme and could follow along at home. They never forgot him.”
The pinnacle of this support came in 2022, a moment that remains etched in the memories of the entire Morris family. In a gesture that brought a tear to the eye of thousands, Stevie fulfilled a lifelong dream by leading the Hearts team out at Hampden Park for the Scottish Cup final. It was a day of triumph over adversity, proving that while MND could rob a man of his muscle, it could not touch his spirit.
Stevie passed away in December 2024, leaving behind a legacy of resilience. For Mary, the silence that followed could have been overwhelming. Instead, she chose to fill it with the sounds of the stadium they both loved.
Turning Grief into Community Action
Mary’s decision to volunteer with the Big Hearts Community Trust marks a new chapter in her relationship with the club. The transition from being on the receiving end of support to becoming a provider of it has been a healing process. She now spends her time at the 1874 Fans Bar at Tynecastle, where the “Memories” sessions take place every Monday and Tuesday.
Her motivation is rooted in gratitude. She saw firsthand how the club “looked after us as a family” as Stevie’s illness progressed. Now, she wants to pay that forward. By joining the volunteer team, Mary is helping to facilitate sessions that are critical for the mental well-being of the participants.
“Now I want to help other people cherish the memories that football can give. When you lose your partner, your whole life changes overnight. Coming here, being part of the group, having a laugh and seeing the guys light up when they recognise a player or a match they remember means everything.”
The camaraderie found in these groups offers a unique form of therapy. For Mary, it is a way to stay close to Stevie, surrounded by the memorabilia and the maroon colors that defined so much of their life together.
How the Memories Group Changes Lives
The “Memories” group, officially known as Football Memories and Edinburgh Memories, is a flagship initiative of the Big Hearts Community Trust. For over a decade, this programme has been quietly changing lives in Edinburgh, offering a sanctuary for those who might otherwise be left behind by society.
The programme creates a welcoming environment for a specific demographic that often faces significant challenges.
Who the Memories Group Supports:
- People living with dementia: Using football as a trigger to recall long-term memories.
- Stroke survivors: providing a safe space for social reintegration.
- Care home residents: Offering a change of scenery and stimulation.
- Those at risk of loneliness: Men and women aged 60+ who need social connection.
The science behind “reminiscence therapy” is well-documented. For football fans, the scent of the grass, the roar of a specific game, or the image of a legendary player can unlock neural pathways that remain accessible even when short-term memory fades.
During these sessions, archived images and themed discussions—ranging from historic derby wins to the changing face of Edinburgh—spark conversations. It’s not uncommon to see a room full of strangers transforming into a lively group of friends, debating the merits of the 1998 Scottish Cup winning squad or sharing stories of the terraces from the 1970s.
With the charity celebrating its 10th annual Big Hearts Day this weekend during the fixture against Falkirk, the spotlight is firmly on the vital work volunteers like Mary are doing. The milestone highlights a decade of using the power of the club crest to support families in need, a mission that has only grown stronger with time.
A Legacy Woven into Maroon
The bond between Heart of Midlothian FC and its community is unique, often described as a family rather than a fanbase. The story of Stevie and Mary Morris exemplifies this. It serves as a reminder that football clubs are community anchors, capable of providing dignity and joy in the most difficult circumstances.
Stevie’s fight raised awareness for MND, echoing the legacy of Marius Žaliūkas, while Mary’s volunteering ensures that the compassion shown to her husband continues to flow through the corridors of Tynecastle. It is a virtuous cycle of care, fueled by the passion for the game.
As the “Memories” group continues to meet each week, Mary Morris will be there, a familiar face offering a cup of tea and a listening ear. In helping others find their voice through the history of Hearts, she is keeping the voice of her husband alive—a testament to the enduring power of football memories.
“He would have loved this,” Mary says, looking around the room filled with memorabilia. “And in a way, he’s still here with us.”
