The family and friends of a British man who passed away during his trip in the Philippines are honoring the memory of the “kind-hearted lad” while endeavoring to repatriate him.
Stephen Harper, a 35-year-old man from Bellshill in Scotland, tragically lost his life in Manila, Philippines, on June 19 while on his travels. In an effort to bring his body back to the UK, his loved ones are mobilizing to cover the estimated repatriation expenses of £20,000.
A fundraising initiative has been launched by Stephen’s lifelong friend, Charles Brown, to facilitate the repatriation process. Charles expressed, “On June 19, 2026, we were devastated to learn that my dear friend Stephen had passed away during his travels in the Philippines.”
“Raising funds on behalf of Stephen’s family is crucial to enable his return to the UK for a fitting farewell. Any contributions, regardless of size, will greatly aid in reaching the target amount of £20,000 and will be deeply appreciated by everyone involved.”
Describing Stephen as a compassionate individual, Charles added, “Stephen was a remarkable friend with a genuinely kind soul. He was an avid supporter of Celtic F.C., rarely missing a match and showing unwavering dedication to the team.”
“In addition to his passion for football, he cherished traveling and embraced the opportunity to explore the world, creating lasting memories wherever he ventured. His presence will be dearly missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him.”
Tracy Harper, Stephen’s mother, also shared a heartfelt tribute following her son’s untimely passing. She expressed, “With heavy hearts, we announce the tragic loss of our beloved son Stephen while he was traveling in the Philippines/Manila.”
“We are devastated by his departure and will forever treasure the memories we shared with him. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to everyone for their support and kindness during this incredibly challenging period.”
Members of the Celtic community expressed profound sorrow over Stephen’s demise. A message from Celtic YNWA conveyed, “Stephen’s passing is truly heartbreaking. He wasn’t just a Celtic fan; he embodied the spirit of the club.”
“From following the team fervently both at home and away, to creating precious moments with his friends, Stephen was an integral part of the Celtic family. His generosity, love for travel, and friendship endeared him to all who knew him.”
Efforts to repatriate Stephen to Scotland were highlighted in the message: “His family is striving to bring him back to Scotland for a proper farewell, a gesture that holds immense significance after losing a loved one in a distant land.”
Reflecting on the community support, the message continued, “In times like these, we witness the true essence of support. We stand united as a community, a family, offering solace when it is needed the most. Rest in peace, Stephen. Our thoughts are with your family and friends.”
It has been reported that Stephen had been traveling for several months before his sudden demise. As of the latest update, the fundraising campaign has exceeded £21,000, surpassing the initial target set for repatriation costs.
Support the fundraising efforts for Stephen’s repatriation here.