Latest news with #GregMonks
Glasgow Times
2 days ago
- Glasgow Times
Funeral of Cambuslang man Greg Monks to take place next week
Greg Monks, 38, was reported missing after leaving the main strip in Albufeira whilst on a stag do between May 27 and May 28. On June 4, Judicial Police in Portugal confirmed that the body of a man, a 38-year-old British citizen, was discovered in the Cerro de Aguia area, where Greg was last seen on CCTV. Greg's loved ones have now shared his funeral details. The funeral service will take place at Daldowie Crematorium in Broomhouse at 4pm on Wednesday, June 25. Greg's family and friends are invited to attend. READ NEXT: Balloon release to be held in memory of Cambuslang man His family have asked those who wish to attend not to bring flowers but to instead make donations to Cash for Kids on the day. A statement published by Janice Stevens' Independent Funeralcare on Facebook reads: 'The family have asked that we announce the following funeral arrangements for the late Greg Monks. 'A service will be held at Daldowie Crematorium, Broomhouse, on Wednesday, June 25, 2025, at 4pm, (East Chapel) to which all family and friends are respectfully invited. 'Family flowers only. In lieu of flowers, the family have asked to please make donations on the day to Cash for Kids.' A special balloon release has also been organised in memory of Greg. It will take place at the field at Fullarton Park in Glasgow's East End from 7pm on Monday, June 23. Jillian Monks, Greg's sister, asked those who wish to attend to gather at this time and to please bring a blue balloon. The balloons will then be released at around 7.15pm.
Daily Record
4 days ago
- Daily Record
Heartbroken friends and family of Greg Monks to hold balloon release in his memory
A balloon release will be held in memory of Greg Monks, whose body was discovered on June 4 in Portugal after he disappeared on stag-do. The family and friends of Greg Monk who tragically died after disappearing on a stag do in Portugal are holding a balloon release in his memory. The event on Monday, June 23, will be held on the field at Fullarton Park in Glasgow and will provide the community a chance to come together to remember Greg, whose body was discovered on June 4, following a week-long search in Albufeira. Attendees will meet at 7pm and release balloons around 15 minutes later. Those attending are encouraged to bring blue balloon, with a personal message to Greg. Funeral dates for the mechanic are still being finalised, with the proposed date set for Wednesday, June 25 at 4pm. However, his heartbroken family have said they will confirm the arrangements by Friday. In a message to those who followed the case, Greg's family expressed heartfelt thanks for their 'kindness over the last few of weeks during this incredibly difficult time'. Greg Monks, 38, from Cambuslang, disappeared during a stag do in Albufeira, Portugal on May 28. His body was discovered following a week-long search with police concluding he likely fell to his death as he attempted to make his way back to his hotel. He was last spotted on CCTV around four miles from the main bar area in the Cerro de Aguia district. Portuguese authorities believe Greg became disorientated after heavily drinking, jumped a fence and tragically fell down a ravine in a remote, uneven area. Police confirmed there is no evidence of foul play. However, autopsy results are pending. The devastating news was met with an emotional tribute from Greg's sister Jillian, who described him as "an amazing boy" and thanks everyone for their support throughout the ordeal. Posting in the Missing Person Greg Monks - Albufeira, Portugal Facebook group, she wrote: "Didn't think it would end like this.. We are absolutely devastated! Greg was an amazing boy who everyone thought so highly of, Was friends with everyone and always made us laugh! We will miss him everyday! "I just want to thank absolutely everyone for everything they done from sharing their posts to out looking, phoning everywhere to get CCTV. She added: "The support we have received from everyone has been out of this world If love coulda saved you, you would live forever! Miss you forever brother." 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'.
Irish Daily Mirror
15-06-2025
- Irish Daily Mirror
I visited hotspot where two tourists died – what I saw on 7am run horrified me
I recently returned from a family getaway in the stunning coastal resort of Albufeira – and it lived up to expectation. The beaches were sandy, the weather was (mostly) glorious and the scenery was spectacular. However, despite having a memorable break and making it back safely, this was not the case for everyone. While I was there, two British tourists tragically lost their lives in a place some now consider just to be a nocturnal party town. Greg Monks, 38, from Glasgow, was found in a ravine in Albufeira. He was on a stag do when he left a party early before reportedly encountering trouble when jumping a wall on his way back to his hotel, reports The Mirror. A 21-year-old man was later found at the foot of a set of steps in Albufeira's picturesque old town in what is believed to have been a drunken fall. The deaths brought the popular Algarve resort into the spotlight, with some publications subsequently reporting on the 'darker' side of Albufeira that has supposedly become a "boozy bolthole" for wild behaviour. And while my time there passed pleasantly with my partner, Ciara, and our daughter, one observation of anti-social behaviour did stay with me. Having a toddler, early starts are inescapable, and during some sunrises, I went for runs throughout Albufeira. During one exercise excursion, I reached the mile-long neon-lit "strip", which has reportedly been nicknamed 'The Chaos' by locals. I had already been there during the day time. While the atmosphere was raucous even then, it was relatively harmless, with people simply out having a good time, while clearly consuming lots and lots of booze. But being there at 7am, it was an entirely different story. The street was completely covered in litter. It looked like a dumping ground. In a street full of late night bars and clubs filled with tourists thirsty for fun, I didn't expect it to be spotless. But the sheer amount of rubbish scattered absolutely everywhere, including bottles, glasses and takeaway food, was excessive. Some party folk were still staggering around having not yet been to bed, and while busy binmen loaded litter into a truck or deployed leafblowers to gather rubbish, one tourist was throwing up on the street. It was a miserable-looking scene, with my eyes being drawn to one old lady who was carefully trying to navigate the cobbles without tripping up. Another man, clearly incredibly drunk, was attempting to walk forward, but his body was inadvertently moving backwards instead. The sight to behold reminded me of a conversation I once had with Michelle Baker, a Brit who has lived in Benidorm for 40 years, for a story. Speaking about walking along the famous party strip in the Spanish holiday hotspot for an early-morning stroll, she told me: "It really is a no man's land and I try to avoid that street like the plague. The bins have fallen and they probably have been sick in the bins as well, it is just a nasty nasty street. "In some parts of the strip the smell of vomit is quite offensive in the morning." Seeing the strip in the Algarve during an early-morning run reminded me of her words, and it also made me think of the comparison with Benidorm. Some locals now believe Benidorm authorities tackling drunk behaviour has led to party-hungry tourists seeking other destinations instead, like the Algarve. Paul Surphlis, a Brit from Newcastle who has a business by the strip, told The Sun: "Since Spain cracked down on tourism and said they did not want Brits there, Albufeira is now getting that Benidorm crowd. They want to behave as outrageously as they did in Spain, but it won't be tolerated here." Another local told YouTuber Wendall that Albufeira was gaining a worse reputation than Benidorm because it attracted a younger crowd with less discipline. Drug use and public nudity is reportedly on the rise in the Portuguese family favourite destination too. Wendall himself summarised in his YouTube video: "I thought it would be a relaxing few days in the sun but this ain't my type of holiday... this is my idea of holiday hell." But he added: "If you want to let your hair down and go wild, like Brits abroad, then this is the place." From my own experience, I didn't necessarily agree with Wendall, especially because Albufeira had much to offer for families (boat trips and dolphin-watching being some examples) – far removed from the boozy shenanigans of youngsters. However, despite my opinions, one British tourist, Doreen Burywood, told the Daily Mail: "We used to go every year, loved the place, but stopped when the hen and stag parties started arriving - such a shame." Towards the end of my holiday, I found myself on another run, and once again I encountered the strip early one morning. This time, the scene was even filthier, with the hard-working binmen having not yet had a chance to reach all the junk. And while I'm sure most of the revellers had a good time in the early hours, I did feel sympathy for the workers who had to once again clean up their mess. Despite this, there have been crackdowns by Albufeira City Council to combat anti-social behaviour by rowdy tourists. This includes a stricter dress code where bikinis and swimsuits on city streets are forbidden with rulebreakers facing fines of €1,800 - if the legislation is passed at the end of this month. Spitting, vomiting or urinating in the street could also result in fines of up to €740. The Mirror reached out to Albufeira City Council regarding claims made in this story.
Daily Mirror
12-06-2025
- Daily Mirror
I visited hotspot where two Brits died – what I saw on 7am run horrified me
I recently returned from a family getaway in the stunning coastal resort of Albufeira – and it lived up to expectation. The beaches were sandy, the weather was (mostly) glorious and the scenery was spectacular. However, despite having a memorable break and making it back safely, this was not the case for everyone. While I was there, two British tourists tragically lost their lives in a place some now consider just to be a nocturnal party town. Greg Monks, 38, from Glasgow, was found in a ravine in Albu feira. He was on a stag-do when he left a party early before reportedly encountering trouble when jumping a wall on his way back to his hotel. A 21-year-old man was later found at the foot of a set of steps in Albufeira's picturesque old town in what is believed to have been a drunken fall. The deaths brought the popular Algarve resort into the spotlight, with some publications subsequently reporting on the 'darker' side of Albufeira that has supposedly become a 'boozy bolthole' for wild behaviour. And while my time there passed pleasantly with my partner, Ciara, and our daughter, one observation of antisocial behaviour did stay with me. Having a toddler, early starts are inescapable, and during some sunrises, I went for runs throughout Albuferia. During one exercise excursion, I reached the mile-long neon-lit 'strip' which has reportedly been nicknamed 'The Chaos' by locals. I had already been there during the day time. While the atmosphere was raucous even then, it was relatively harmless, with people simply out having a good time, while clearly consuming lots and lots of booze. But being there at 7am, it was an entirely different story. The street was completely covered in litter. It looked like a dumping ground. In a street full of late night bars and clubs filled with tourists thirsty for fun, I didn't expect it to be spotless. But the sheer number of rubbish scattered absolutely everywhere, including bottles, glasses and takeaway food, was excessive. Some party folk were still staggered around having not yet been to bed, and while busy binmen loaded litter into a truck or deployed leafblowers to gather rubbish, one tourist was throwing up on the street. It was a miserable looking scene, with my eyes being drawn to one old lady who was carefully trying to navigate the cobbles without tripping up. Another man, clearly incredibly drunk, was attempting to walk forward, but his body was inadvertently moving backwards instead. The sight to behold reminded me of a conversation I once had with Michelle Baker, a Brit who has lived in Benidorm for 40 years, for a story. Speaking about walking along the famous party strip in the Spanish holiday hotspot for an early morning stroll, she told me: 'It really is a no man's land and I try to avoid that street like the plague. The bins have fallen and they probably have been sick in the bins as well, it is just a nasty nasty street. 'In some parts of the strip the smell of vomit is quite offensive in the morning.' Seeing the strip in the Algarve during an early morning run reminded me of her words, and it also made me think of the comparison with Benidorm. Some locals now believe Benidorm authorities tackling drunk behaviour has led to party hungry Brits seeking other destinations instead, like the Algarve. Paul Surphlis, a Brit from Newcastle who has a business by the strip, told The Sun: 'Since Spain cracked down on tourism and said they did not want Brits there, Albufeira is now getting that Benidorm crowd. They want to behave as outrageously as they did in Spain, but it won't be tolerated here.' Another local told YouTuber Wendall that Albufeira was gaining a worse reputation than Benidorm because it attracted a younger crowd with less discipline. Drug use and public nudity is reportedly on the rise in the Portuguese family favourite destination too. Wendall himself summarised in his YouTube video: 'I thought it would be a relaxing few days in the sun but this ain't my type of holiday… this is my idea of holiday hell.' But he added: 'If you want to let your hair down and go wild, like Brits abroad, then this is the place.' From my own experience, I didn't necessarily agree with Wendall, especially because Albufeira had much to offer for families (boat trips and dolphin-watching being some examples) – far removed from the boozy shenanigans of youngsters. However, despite my opinions, one British tourist, Doreen Burywood, told the Daily Mail: 'We used to go every year, loved the place, but stopped when the hen and stag parties started arriving - such a shame.' Towards the end of my holiday, I found myself on another run, and once again I encountered the strip early one morning. This time, the scene was even filthier, with the hard-working binmen having not yet had a chance to reach all the junk. And while I'm sure most of the revellers had a good time in the early hours, I did feel sympathy for the workers who had to once again clean up their mess. Despite this, there have been crackdowns by Albufeira City Council to combat antisocial behaviour by rowdy tourists. This includes a stricter dress code where bikinis and swimsuits on city streets are forbidden with rulebreakers facing fines of €1,800 (just over £1,500) - if the legislation is passed at the end of this month. Spitting, vomiting or urinating in the street could also result in fines of up to £630. We reached out to Albufeira City Council regarding claims made in this story.
Daily Mirror
10-06-2025
- Daily Mirror
'I went to Portugal's worst holiday resort – I wasn't aware how wild it is'
YouTuber Wendall says he went to Albufeira, in Portugal, hoping to catch some last-minute sun after returning from Australia and feeling down from the British weather, but found a "holiday hell" YouTuber Wendall, known for his videos showcasing the reality of life in the UK and abroad, says the notorious Algarve resort of Albufeira is his idea of a "holiday hell." Once geared towards families, the Portuguese destination now faces growing issues with public nudity, drug abuse, drunkenness and antisocial behaviour. Locals say that the majority of the people responsible for the "wild" behaviour in the town are British – many of them visiting for stag and hen parties. In some extreme cases, holidaymakers have suffered serious injuries. Earlier this month, the lifeless body of a 38-year-old British man, Greg Monks, was found in a rocky area just outside Albufeira. He had disappeared around eight days prior while attending a friend's stag party. Wendall explained that he had visited Albufeira seeking sunny weather after being dissatisfied with Britain's grey skies following his return from Australia, only for his plans for a restful weekend to turn awry. "It turns out that Albufeira, where I'm staying, isn't exactly chilled-out." He described the video by saying: "This is either going to be an advert for the best place to come on holiday in Portugal if you're into clubbing and going mental... Brits abroad and getting hammered. Or it's a warning that you should not come here because this is Portugal's worst resort." He added: "I wasn't aware, until I arrived, how wild Albufeira is." The first two locals he encountered said that, although they've become accustomed to Brits' unruly antics due to their work in a bar, their families were "scared" by the excessive drinking and mess created by British holidaymakers. He observed that Benidorm is notorious as the epicentre for 'Brits abroad', rowdy behaviour, but Albufeira could be even more chaotic, attracting a younger and wilder crowd. A young woman he spoke with recounted witnessing numerous brawls among drunken Brits. Another local told Wendall that while British tourists over 40 tend to behave decently, the younger ones are "not so good." Not all British visitors are pleased with the recent transformation of the city. Doreen Burywood told the Daily Mail: "We used to go every year, loved the place, but stopped when the hen and stag parties started arriving – such a shame." Amidst the prevalent binge drinking in Albufeira, Wendall stumbled upon a deserted shopfront boasting a large vending machine offering "gourmet" burgers and toasties. He described his toast as tasting "exactly how you'd expect," which was, predictably, terrible. A significant factor in Albufeira's deteriorating reputation is the rampant consumption of illegal drugs in the bars along the city's brightly lit "strip" during the night. Even after taking a stroll in the more sedate Old Town, Wendall said that despite its charming looks, "it's still a pretty wild place." When twilight descended on the strip, the vibe amped up even more and soon enough paramedics had to care for some overly indulgent souls sprawled outside a bar. Albufeira City Council is getting tough on unruly holidaymakers with new proposed penalties, including a ban on bikinis and swimsuits on city streets, with potential fines soaring up to €1,800. Mayor José Carlos Rolo is pushing for the introduction of this strict dress code by mid-July, aiming to polish the area's image. Reflecting on his choice of Albufeira for a getaway, Wendall confessed it wasn't the tranquil retreat he'd hoped for, lamenting: "I thought it would be a relaxing few days in the sun," before adding wryly, "but this ain't my type of holiday... this is my idea of holiday hell." Yet he conceded the town might suit those looking to party hard, stating: "If you want to let your hair down and go wild, like Brits abroad, then this is the place."
