As one of the founding directors and now honorary director of the Foundation of Hearts, Garry Halliday is much more than a Hearts and Big Hearts supporter. He’s an unsung hero whose passion and unwavering dedication played a central role in leading the supporters’ movement that secured fan ownership of Heart of Midlothian Football Club.
This Sunday, Garry will join fellow Big Hearts’ supporters by taking part in the Edinburgh Kiltwalk, raising funds to support our ever-popular reminiscence programme.
You can support Garry’s incredible 21-mile challenge by making a donation to his Kiltwalk fundraiser here
Big Hearts Memories is aimed at people living with dementia, stroke survivors, care home patients and over 65s at high risk of loneliness. This is a key area of our charity’s work, supporting older people’s wellbeing and social connection.
Garry opened up about what inspired him to take on the 21-mile challenge this Sunday: “Many of you will know my mum, she’s been at the heart of the Foundation of Hearts since the very beginning. From encouraging fans to pledge outside the old admin block to carefully writing and handing out certificates at Plot Ceremonies, she’s always given her all.
Sadly, over the past year, she’s begun to suffer from dementia. Physically she’s still strong, but she thrives on interaction to keep her mind active. That’s why the groups and gatherings run by Big Hearts mean the world to her and they give her purpose, joy, and connection.
It’s for her, and for all the incredible work Big Hearts do, that I’m taking on the Kiltwalk this year. Every step is in support of a charity that changes lives every single day.”
– September 2025
