Fiona Johnstone Memorial Game, Murrayfield Wanderers v Forrester RFC
Saturday 30th July
The rugby community in Edinburgh yesterday celebrated the life of Fiona Johnstone with a great game between 2 clubs she served as a volunteer and supported for many years. The big crowd were treated to some great rugby, especially from Fiona’s son Murray under the ever present gaze of his dad Alan. Fiona would have been very proud and humbled. She was an amazing lady.
After the game the Murrayfield Wanderers clubhouse was buzzing with the sharing of stories and the mixing of friends. The fantastic trophy from The Trophy Guy in Galashiels was presented to the victorious President, Davy Young of MWFC. It is hoped the game will become an annual fixture in the calendar with the trophy up for grabs. The raffle and auction in support of Chest Heart & Stroke Scotland raised a lot of funds from the generosity of those in attendance. It is still possible to donate through the JustGiving page – Murray’s Story
Thank you to those who were their both in body and in spirit. The day was brilliantly organised by Murray Johnstone, with enormous support from his family and friends. The 2 clubs, who embody the values of this great sport, are fierce rivals on the pitch and great friends off it deserve huge credit for making the event such a success. There were also guest appearances from Murray’s club mates from Boroughmuir Rugby where Murray is currently playing.
The following Facebook post has been published with the permission of Bruce Aitchison – 
I’m a very lucky boy. I love life. I do lots of good stuff and take opportunities as often as I can. I feel pride often. Never more so than today.
Today I was proud of so many things and so many people. Today I got to be in the world I love with the people who feel the same. There was someone missing but she was there in spirit.
I arrived at Murrayfield, my Theatre of Dreams, in blue sky and sunshine. I was greeted by my fellow coaches with whom I enjoy spending time with and trust completely. I met players and supporters and committee men and friends and folk I’ve never met before and all were there to share a fantastic experience.
The crowd came and the players played. The spirit on show was immense. All were invited onto the pitch at the end to join the huddle. Togetherness in body and purpose. My heart was swollen. It was a moment.
Like the best Saturdays the move from the pitch to the clubhouse just added to the joy. The buzz could be seen and heard. Every positive emotion was present, shown and shared amongst our own. A place of complete safety and tremendous feeling. Young and old and others besides. Never to be forgotten.
I was proud of my game and my club. I was proud of the opposition and every supporter in attendance. I was proud of my players (old & new) and my friends. I was proud of the generosity and how readily people are to help others. But most of all I was proud of her husband and her son. They were magnificent. I was very proud.
There are days that are sad. But sometimes out of that sadness can come great joy and happy memories. Today was one of those days. Today we all shared in something good. And something that will happen again next year, and for many years to come. Because although she’s gone, she certainly isn’t forgotten. Her spirit was there today. I know she would have been proud. I was. And I was proud to call her my friend.
Happiness is Egg Shaped and today was For Fiona.
Happiness is Egg Shaped
