The family of Newcastle United fan Darren Scott who died during a football game at the weekend have encouraged mourners at his funeral to wear Toon shirts.
Darren, 40, had turned out for the Cobblers Hall FC over-40s team from Newton Aycliffe, County Durham, against South Shields Catholic Club on Saturday when he collapsed.
His funeral is to take place next month and in a Facebook post his widow Donna wrote: "It would be amazing to see a wave of Newcastle shirts for his send off."
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Her message was posted as a £20,000 fundraising target for an appeal to help Donna and children Declan, 17, Noah, 15 and Layna, nine was smashed less than a week after it was launched.
The appeal has exceeded £23,000 - and the figure continues to rise with donations from all over the world and from people of all different ages, from children to pensioners.
The appeal was set up his friend and club secretary, Mark Preston, who was at the game as the tragedy unfolded.
In an interview yesterday he said: “I can’t thank the local community enough – the football family has rallied, and locals have contacted me in numbers to donate to Darren’s family – it’s overwhelming.
“I don’t think it’s quite set in yet that Darren has gone – I’ve spoken to so many people that have shared their memories of him that I still feel like he’s here.
“I’m not surprised that the fundraiser has reached this amount in a way because it shows how well thought of he was.”
The money will now be used to support Darren’s family as well as helping with funeral costs for the Newton Aycliffe footballer.
The funeral on March 4 is to take place at Wear Valley Crematorium in Bishop Auckland followed by a wake at the Big Club in Newton Aycliffe.
Collection buckets will be passed around and donations sought to raise funds to pay for defibrillators at local football clubs.
Mark had previously described how Darren was a loyal Newcastle United fan who followed the team around Europe before he started a family and loved playing football.
"He dedicated much of his time coaching Newton Aycliffe Youth Eagles Under 15s, supporting his children in following their dreams," he has said.
"Declan and Noah are both exceptionally skilled and accomplished players - he was so proud of them both.
“His daughter, Layna runs for Newton Aycliffe and has just been chosen to run in the regional team - something Daz was buzzing about. She will be running competitively in March."
"Donna and the children will need help not just now but in the future. They are part of the club's family and we intend to look after them," said Mark.
If you want to donate go to the JustGiving page here.
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