“Thank You. Thank You. Thank You. Thank You.”

It seems appropriate to borrow a line from The Proclaimers’ timeless anthem – ‘Sunshine On Leith’ – to kick off an update that leaves a lump in the throat of everyone involved in the Hanlon Stevenson Foundation.

Yesterday Hibernian Football Club confirmed the news that HSF’s founding duo, Lewis Stevenson and Paul Hanlon, will depart Easter Road Stadium when their contracts expire at the end of the current campaign.

It is hard to remember a time when the two didn’t grace the famous green and white shirt. Anyone who knows Lewis and Paul would acknowledge they are as humble as they come.

They have always prioritised the name on the front of the shirt over the name on the back. However, it seems only right that their distinguished spell at Hibs – and the impact they have made in the wider community – is marked appropriately. 

In anticipation of the club’s decision, HSF’s team have been working on a special 40-page souvenir matchday programme.

This limited-edition publication will be available to purchase at Easter Road on the night of the head-to-head with Motherwell – Wednesday, 15 May – which will be the last time Lewis and Paul feature for The Hibees at Easter Road.

Priced at £4, all proceeds will be directed to purchasing mascot packages and season tickets for local, less privileged children.

Hanlon Stevenson Foundation chairman Graeme Cadger said: “It goes without saying what I think of Lewis Stevenson and Paul Hanlon, and I know that goes for the rest of the team behind HSF.

“They will rightly go down as two of the most prominent players in Hibernian’s rich history.

“Not just for their deeds on the pitch, but those off it as well. No club could wish for two finer ambassadors. 

“It will be an emotional night for all concerned when they pull on the Hibs shirt for the last time, and we wanted to do something to celebrate Lewis and Paul’s outstanding contribution. 

“It’s telling that everyone we asked to contribute to the programme jumped at the opportunity – including the likes of Josh Doig and Ryan Porteous – and it’s fitting that the proceeds will go some way to supporting young people in the local area who may dream of one day going on to emulate Lewis and Paul’s success.

“I would also like to take the opportunity to thank Hibernian Football Club for allowing us to publish a matchday programme and have a bucket collection for the foundation around the Motherwell match.

“I sincerely hope the ground is packed out to give two legends the send-off they deserve.”