Hibs’ fans have been touched by the story of Rena Gardiner’s recent visit to the capital.
Rena and her husband Alex emigrated to New Zealand in 1967 before settling in Australia, but they never lost their love for the club.
Daughter Rachel and grand-daughters Maddy and Ava were brought up in the Hibs’ tradition.
Married for 54 years, Alex and Rena had planned a family visit to Edinburgh and top of their agenda was a trip to Easter Road.
Sadly, Alex passed away unexpectedly last year before he could turn that dream into a reality.
Undeterred, Rena, Rachel, Maddy and Ava made the long trek in his honour.
Alex’s ashes were scattered at Edinburgh Castle in a poignant family service and when Hibs learned of the trip, staff went above and beyond to help make their stay even more memorable.
Rena told the Edinburgh Reporter: “Hibs went beyond 100%, and everyone was marvellous. I only thought we were visiting Easter Road to collect tickets, but we were given a tour including the dressing rooms and Hall of Fame. We were taken to the side of the pitch and had photos taken in the dugouts and Maddy and Ava were given Hibs’ strips with their nicknames ‘Crackerjack 1’ and ‘Crackerjack 2’ on the back.
“We all enjoyed the Hearts’ game and the atmosphere was fantastic despite the result. I thought Hibs were the better team and Daryl Horgan was brilliant. I had hoped to see the fans sing ‘Sunshine on Leith’ at the end but it was not to be.
“The family would like to thank everyone at Hibs for making us feel so welcome.”
John graduated from Telford College in 2010 with an HNC in Practical Journalism and since then he worked for the North Edinburgh News, The Southern Reporter, the Irish News Review and The Edinburgh Reporter. In addition he has been published in the Edinburgh Evening News and the Hibernian FC Programme.
