Neil Gray has been a Dons fan since his dad took him to his first game at Pittodrie when Aberdeen beat Hibs 5-0. He vividly remembers watching the legendary European Cup Winners final in Gothenburg on the telly.

A season ticket holder in the Richard Donald stand since 1986 he, like others, is missing his match fix and instead watching the games on his ipad and wondering when fans will ever get back into Pittodrie.

But for Neil, football and Aberdeen Football Club are much more than a passion, they are part of his coping mechanism and a vital pressure release for this severely disabled fan who, as a result of numerous, major surgeries has suffered from PTSD and other mental health problems.

Neil has spina bifida and, earlier this year before lockdown, had to go into hospital. He was released into a care home and is currently awaiting to move into sheltered accommodation. Despite this, he tries to remain positive and not let things get him down.

He said: “I guess I’m a stubborn kind of guy and it’s my stubbornness to get on with life that helps me through. That and the football, which is a god send. It doesn’t matter how low you’re feeling, football gives you a buzz. I can shout all I like and go as crazy as I want when among other members of the Red Army, cheering on my team. It’s a sort of release from all the pressure I’m under. Being a fan and being able to go to the home games is so important to me. It’s part of my coping strategy and I’m desperate for fans to return to Pittodrie.

“Having battled with PTSD, anxiety and, at times, depression, I know the importance of speaking up and speaking out. Don’t be scared to talk about how you feel and seek professional help. There’s no shame in it and there’s great support and help available on-line and with your GP.

“Through the Club, I’ve been lucky to have made some good friends, among them Lynn Fiske, Aleen Shinnie, Craig Brown and Joe Harper.

“I’m really proud of my Club for the role they’ve played in supporting fans like me who struggled during lockdown. This week’s campaign to raise awareness of mental health issues, encouraging people to ask for help is a great idea and I’m happy to support it by speaking out about my own struggles.”