Barry Martin Day
Barry Martin Day began in 2024 with one simple purpose: to give Barry's children a day to celebrate their dad.
When Barry died, our plans to celebrate his 40th birthday disappeared with him. But one thing remained certain. His birthday would always be a day of celebration. Not because grief had ended, but because love had not.
Barry's birthday is our boys' day to celebrate their dad. It always will be.
The first Barry Martin Day was created by children, for children.
The first and most important question asked of Oliver and Daniel was, 'what do you want to see in honour of your dad?'
The answer was simple. Barry's children wanted fun. Laughter. Running around being children. Not bereaved children. Just Oliver and Daniel, their friends, their family, their community.
So we gave it to them.
It was filled with inflatables, slides, football, music, dancing, face painting, birthday cake and laughter. It was everything Barry would have wanted for Oliver and Daniel: a day where they could simply be children, surrounded by family, friends and a community who cared deeply about them.
What began as a celebration of Barry's life quickly became something much more. It brought people together in hope rather than sadness, raised funds for The Barry Martin Foundation and created new memories built upon kindness, generosity and community.
The second Barry Martin Day in 2025 continued that tradition, welcoming families, friends, and supporters to celebrate together once again.
View the official Barry Martin Day 2024/2025 photo gallery
BARRY MARTIN DAY 2026
This year, Barry Martin Day took on a different shape.
With a decision expected soon from the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service regarding Barry's death, we chose to hold a private gathering this year. Protecting our family, our wellbeing and the space we need at this important stage has been our priority.
Barry Martin Day 2026 also marked another important milestone in Barry's legacy. Alongside the launch of our new bereavement resources, we are delighted to launch The Barry Martin Foundation website and introduce Barry the Brave and Bazza Bear.
Many of those who have supported Barry Martin Day over the past two years joined us once again, alongside invited guests and representatives from across our community.
We wanted this year's event to reflect the power of stories, remembrance and hope, so we chose a beautiful venue that echoes those values as we begin this new chapter, at Dunfermline Carnegie Library and Galleries. We are so grateful to everyone who helped our day to run so perfectly.
Family, friends, supporters and community representatives came together to celebrate Barry's legacy, his children's work, and The Barry Martin Foundation. Oliver and Daniel spoke beautifully, read from the book for all to share, and signed copies for everyone who attended. It was a very special day and the beginning of a project created to support bereaved children across Scotland.
Barry Martin Day has never been about looking backwards.
It has always been about carrying Barry forward.
It is about celebrating his life, supporting his children, bringing people together and creating something positive from the deepest of loss.
Every year, we will continue to celebrate the man Barry was, the values he lived by, and the legacy that continues to grow through his family, his friends and The Barry Martin Foundation.
View our written Reflection for Barry Martin Day 2026
View the official Barry Martin Day 2026 photo gallery
A thank you note:
Finally, we would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to everyone who has helped make Barry Martin Day possible over the past three years.
To every volunteer, entertainer, supplier, sponsor, community group, supporter and service provider who has given their time, expertise and kindness, thank you.
Your generosity has helped create days filled with laughter, friendship and joy for our children and for so many others.
We are especially grateful to The Pars Foundation, Pitreavie Sports & Soccer Centre, and Dunfermline Carnegie Library & Galleries for the support, encouragement and generosity they have shown.
Your belief in what Barry Martin Day represents has helped make these occasions truly special.
To everyone who has attended, volunteered, donated or stood alongside us over the years, thank you for helping us celebrate Barry in the way he would have wanted: by bringing people together, creating happy memories for children, and reminding us all that even after profound loss, joy can still be found.
We look forward to welcoming many of you back in the years ahead as Barry Martin Day continues to grow and evolve.
Thank you for being part of this story.