Kind donation provides new AD commentary kit

A kind hearted donation has helped secure brand new audio-descriptive commentary equipment, bringing blind and partially-sighted fans closer to the team on matchday. 

George Fitzsimmons was a lifelong supporter of the Jambos and regularly attended matches at Tynecastle Park with his friend Alister Hadden, utilising the club's AD service to follow the action. 

Mr Fitzsimmons sadly passed away in 2023, but his legacy lives on.

Thanks to money donated by his family towards the cost, the club have upgraded the audio-descriptive commentary equipment: rolling out state of the art kit from MLEC (UK) Ltd.

Feedback from visually impaired supporters has been overwhelmingly positive and Hearts' Disability Access Officer, Keith Ferguson, paid tribute to George and the Fitzsimmons family for their kindness.

Speaking to the Official Hearts Website, Keith said: "The club wish to thank George’s family for the generous donation they have made towards the cost of the equipment. This is very much appreciated and will be used to purchase additional receivers as the service expands.

"The sound and reception are much clearer, plus the receivers are smaller and easier for supporters to handle.

"We're fortunate to have a fantastic team working on commentary, with AD requiring much more commentary compared to TV or radio comms.

"George’s family had a plaque placed in the Memorial Garden. It was a wonderful touch to see Alister and the commentary team mentioned on the plaque. 

"This is a fitting tribute to George and one that will appreciated by our visually impaired fans for years to come."

If you're interested in finding out more about the commentary service, you can send any queries to Keith Ferguson. 

Mobile: 07719 032111 

Email: keithferguson@homplc.co.uk