HAPPY HEARTS FAN DIES AFTER CUDDLING CUP

HEARTS fan Rab McLean cuddled the Scottish Cup on his deathbed as he slipped into his final sleep.

Tynecastle officials brought the trophy to Rab's hospital ward as his 25-year battle with multiple sclerosis drew to a close.

Rab, 59, died hours later. And yesterday, his son David, 29, told how the club's kindness brought him happiness at the end.

He said: "The cup was in his hands as he fell asleep. He was trying his hardest to sing Hearts songs, although he could only say the words very quietly under his breath."

Rab died on Monday, little more than two weeks after leaving his bed at the Western General in Edinburgh to go to the final at Hampden.

He watched his heroes beat Gretna on penalties. And club captain Steven Pressley gave him a chance to hold the cup as celebrations began.

Rab was a well-loved figure at Tynecastle, and became close to Pressley after the star visited him at his home in Drumbrae, Edinburgh, last year.

Rab's widow Margaret, 54, said: "Steven is absolutely gutted."

"I told someone at the club that Rab idolised Steven and he turned up at our house on Christmas Eve. They got on instantly."

David, of Bonnyrigg, Midlothian, told how Rab saw Hearts lift the Scottish Cup three times. He said: "He went to the final with his own father in 1956. He saw them win again in 1998 and this year the whole family was there so it was extra special."

Rab also made it to this year's semi-final against Hibs - but only after convincing his doctors that he was actually going to a christening.

David said: "If dad wanted to do something, he did it. Nothing held him back."

More than 100 messages of sympathy to Rab's family have been posted on the Hearts website.

A club spokeswoman said: "Everyone here sends their condolences. Rab was a great character."

Taken from the Daily Record