Friends and family of one of Brighton & Hove Albion’s most dedicated fans, Mary Emery, gathered at the Amex Stadium to share their memories and to ride the Brighton & Hove bus named in her honour.
Hove resident Mary, followed the club for 89 years and helped lead the charge for a new stadium at Falmer. Sadly, she passed away, aged 93, in February this year.
The interior of the Mary Emery bus will later be decorated to tell Mary’s story as a football fan and community campaigner.
Mary’s son, Robert Emery says: “Buses were part of her life. Naming the bus after her is a really nice gesture.”
Brighton and Hove Buses’ MD Martin Harris paid tribute to Mary. He says: “Her commitment was never in doubt. She really shone through when the club was going through its dark days.
“We are not in Mary’s story. All we can do is to keep her story going and to share it with more people.”
The club’s Executive Director, Martin Perry adds: “It’s going to be brilliant seeing this bus going around the city.”