The mother of Bolton Wanderers defender Gethin Jones, Karen, has lost her fight with motor neurone disease (MND) and passed away at the age of 56.
Karen, much-loved former midwife, died on Sunday after she had been diagnosed with MND last July, a condition for which there is currently no cure.
She had been undergoing treatment and a drug trial in the United States as part of her battle against MND.
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Karen leaves behind Wanderers vice-captain and sons Gethin and Dylan, daughter Ela and husband Gareth.
Wanderers hosted a special fund-raising fixture and dinner last November to help pay for some of the costs and care involved, with former Whites’ manager Sam Allardyce leading a team of club legends against Ian Evatt’s current line-up.
Bolton chairman Sharon Brittan led Wanderers’ response to the Jones’ family appeal, which also contributed funds to the Darby Rimmer Foundation – jointly set up by former Wanderers’ player Stephen Darby – which helps finance research into MND.
Brittan has led the tributes to Karen, saying: "I was deeply saddened to learn that Karen passed away on Sunday.
“Whilst I only knew her for a short time, she touched my soul and was clearly the heartbeat of her beautiful family.
“Karen was a wonderful mother to her amazing children whom she adored, loving wife and loyal friend to all who knew her.
“Our heartfelt sympathies go to Gareth, Gethin, Dylan, Ela and all the family. May God look after her and she rest in eternal peace.”
Wanderers vice-captain Jones launched and helped coordinate the fund-raising effort and front the appeal to support his mum.
The 26-year-old was recently made vice-captain and his return from injury in January was a key factor in Wanderers’ recent revival which has taken them to the fringe of the League One play-off places, with the defender having been at Bolton since August 2020 and has scored three goals in 64 appearances for the club.
Wanderers’ manager Evatt said: “Our thoughts are with Gethin and his family at this desperately sad time.
“Spending time with Karen last year, her bravery and courage stood out as an example to us all.
“All of her family are a credit to her and in Gethin, we are lucky to have such a fantastic person and player representing our football club.
“Myself, staff and his team-mates will continue to give him our total support as such a respected and valued member of the squad.”
A Wanderers statement added: "The thoughts of everyone at Bolton Wanderers are with Gareth, Gethin, Dylan and Ela as we remember Karen."
