Brian Murray lost his leg at the age of 11 after being diagnosed with osteosarcoma, a tumour in his knee. Sport has been part of his life ever since, but it was in 2015 that he discovered amputee football while playing with Everton Amputees, a turning point that helped him gain a new found confidence.
Brian went on to captain both Partick Thistle Amputee Football Club and the Scotland Amputee Football Team. Over the years, he represented Scotland 32 times, including 19 matches as captain, travelling internationally to compete in countries such as Ireland, the Netherlands and Italy. Reflecting on his journey, Brian describes it as something he could never have imagined when he lost his leg as a child.
Although Brian has now stepped away from international football, sport remains a central part of his life. He continues to play club football and is deeply involved in developing the next generation of players. As a junior amputee football coach, Brian runs regular training sessions and supports young players as they grow in confidence and ability. He also attends international junior camps, bringing together dozens of young amputees from across Europe and beyond, helping them feel part of a wider sporting community.
Alongside football, Brian and his wife Valerie, who is also a below-knee amputee, have embraced wheelchair pickleball together. Discovering a new sport has allowed them both to stay active and competitive, and Brian has already taken part in league games, finding the same enjoyment and drive that sport has always given him. He is passionate about encouraging other amputees to try new activities and find what works for them.
Brian continues to live by the belief that staying active, trying new things and being part of a supportive community can make a huge difference after amputation.
