Greg Monks of Cambuslang was found dead after going missing on a stag do in the party resort of Albufeira in Portugal.
Balloons were released for Greg(Image: Daily Record)
The loved ones of Greg Monks, who was found dead after going missing hours into a stag do in Portugal, have held an emotional event in his honour this evening.
The 38-year-old from Cambuslang in South Lanarkshire vanished while on a stag do in the party resort of Albufeira in the Algarve on May 28.
A week long search was carried out but tragically Greg’s body was discovered at the bottom of the a ravine by Portuguese cops on the morning of Wednesday June 4. Police concluded that Greg fell to his death after becoming lost whilst trying to get back to his hotel.
Today, hundreds gathered at 7pm at Fullarton Park in Glasgow to release blue balloons with a messaged attached in his memory.
The release was triggered when a group of Greg’s loved ones let off blue smoke bombs as tons of balloons flew off into the night’s sky.
Balloons were released for Greg(Image: Daily Record)
At the gathering, Greg’s sister Jillian Monks told the Record about how the family has been coping with Greg’s tragic death.
She said: “Coping has been a struggle with it being so sudden and tragic. It has been incredibly difficult for us all but seeing how nice everyone has been has brought us a wee bit of comfort.
“In the first week or so, we were all so numb. It was all such a blur because of how hard it was to believe what had happened.
“As time goes on we are realising how real it is and it gets harder every day.
Smoke bombs were set off to signal the start of the release(Image: Daily Record)
“It is so special to see so many people come out tonight to celebrate Greg. All of the messages and support that we have had has made this difficult time slightly easier and nicer.
“We have had people using their holidays to head over to Portugal to join the search, alongside all of the donations and lovely messages from close friends and complete strangers. It has been amazing.
“I am so thankful for all of the people who came out to celebrate Greg and who he was. He meant so much to so many.”
The release comes after it was announced that a private service for Greg’s family and friends would take place at 4pm on Wednesday June 25 at Daldowie Crematorium.
Just hours after arriving for a five-day stag trip, Greg, who was set to be a groomsmen for his best mate before tragedy struck, became separated from pals on the Albufeira strip.
Greg was last seen around three miles away from the main strip, where he was partying with his pals, in a quieter residential spot called Cerro de Aguia.
The last picture of Greg Monks.
Greg’s family, including his mum, cousin and girlfriend Nicole were forced to travel home from Portugal without him after waiting for repatriation to take place.
A fundraiser, initially launched to help fund the search for Greg, raised over £34,000. It was then used to assist in bringing him home.
Earlier this month, Jillian told the Record how the family “had closure” following his tragic death.
She said: “It has been the toughest time of our lives. We still can’t believe what has happened. But we’re glad we now have some sense of closure.
The body of Greg Monks was discovered on June 4(Image: Facebook)
“I don’t know if any of us could have coped with even another day searching for my brother. We couldn’t eat, we couldn’t sleep. It was absolute torture.
“To know Greg has been found is a slight relief. We can now bring him home and give him the send off he deserves.”
Jillian previously urged groups to “stick together” on trips to popular party resorts such as Albufeira.
She said: “I think it just shows in places like Albufeira everyone needs to stick together and look after each other. His pals are absolutely devastated at what happened.”
She added: “Before everyone left the hotel that night Greg made sure they all had a business card and a map from the hotel to help them find their way home.”
Join the Daily Record WhatsApp community!
Get the latest news sent straight to your messages by joining our WhatsApp community today.
You’ll receive daily updates on breaking news as well as the top headlines across Scotland.
No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the Daily Record team.
All you have to do is click here if you’re on mobile, select ‘Join Community’ and you’re in!
If you’re on a desktop, simply scan the QR code above with your phone and click ‘Join Community’.
We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don’t like our community, you can check out any time you like.
To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose ‘exit group’.
If you’re curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.