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Grace Donald

Everyone connected with the club was saddened to learn of the passing of Grace Donald this week.

Grace was one of the few remaining Bully Wee fans to witness all three of the club’s Scottish Cup successes, in 1939, 1955 and 1958. Remarkably, Grace had supported Clyde for over 80 years, a feat that may prove difficult to equal.

That incredible loyalty to The Bully Wee ran in the family, with her father, husband and then two sons Walter and Alan also brought up attending matches at Shawfield.

Grace was interviewed by BBC Sport Scotland in 2017 as part of their Scottish Cup build-up, almost 80 years on from when Clyde lifted the famous trophy for the first time. The short clip, below, captures Grace’s unique and infectious character for those who knew her.

Beyond the devotion to her beloved Clyde, Grace made an invaluable contribution to her local community, Bridgeton. Her determination and pride in her community led to the restoration of the local historic Olympia Building, securing funds via the Commonwealth Funds Legacy.

Church elder Grace was forever a strong social voice on the Clyde Gateway urban regeneration group and her work was recognised when she attended the Glasgow Commonwealth Games as a VIP.

Grace travelled home and away to see her team and always sat alongside fellow supporter Grace McKenzie in the front row of the supporters bus, behind the driver. The men went for a drink, the Graces went for lunch!

Grace always loved the honour of presenting Player of the Year awards to deserving winners, but the tables were reversed when she received a Supporter Recognition Award at the end of the 2017-18 season.

Due to her declining health situation, latterly Grace moved permanently down South to stay with her son Walter and her grandsons.

‘Our wee Amazing Grace’ will be sorely missed by everyone who was fortunate enough to meet her on matchdays, or at the many Clyde functions over a long number of years.

The condolences of all at the club go to Walter, Alan and all of the family at this sad and difficult time.