Heartfelt tributes are being paid to legendary Liverpool boxer Joe Lally who has died at the age of 68.
Mr Lally, who was suffering from dementia, passed away on Friday morning - with his family saying he was "a fighter right until the end".
The boxer, who enjoyed many of his greatest nights in the sport at the old Liverpool Stadium, leaves his wife Sheila, daughters Lindsey, 40, and Jo, 37, and son Joseph, 31.
He was also an adoring grandfather to Aaliyah, 15, Jake, ten, Aaron, eight, Dixie, six and Isla, five - and despite his fight with dementia, relatives said his eyes would light up when he saw them.
Mr Lally was diagnosed with dementia when he was 57 but his daughter Jo Rowan, speaking to the ECHO on behalf of the Lally family, said he was determined not to let it beat him.
She said the family was comforted that he was now reunited with his beloved mum Doreen, who died four years ago.
Mum-of-three Jo said: "My dad was brilliant, he was the hardest working man. We were his life and he lived for his family, he really did.
"He gave us everything and he worked so hard to give us the best life he could.
"He was always there for everyone. Us and his mum, even our grown-up cousins. They are broken hearted.
"My dad idolised his grandkids. My sister has two children and I've got three. His eyes would light up when he saw them.
"He had the worst time over the last few years and the main thing is that he's not suffering now and he's reunited with his mum. He used to get called "Mummy's special soldier" because he'd get everything."
In the 1970s Mr Lally, who was originally from Dingle but lived in Lee Park, Gateacre, for many years, was part of three memorable slug fests with fellow boxing great Robbie Davies.
They met on March 1, 1979 as professionals at the Bixteth Street venue in the city centre - coming seven years after they staged "one of the greatest amateur battles ever fought at Liverpool Stadium".
The Echo’s doyen of boxing, Syd Dye, coined that description, and for the rematch wrote: “It was a night of nostalgia for those who remember the Stadium in its heyday, with the seating almost oversubscribed, personalities galore in the crowd and a top-liner that lived up to all expectations.”
All the 1,000 cheapest seats, at £3 apiece, were sold out, as were ringside seats at £8, while walk ups on the night costing £5 and £6 were also swiftly snapped up.
Mr Lally's family announced his death on a Facebook page for charity nights in his name - and that of Robbie Davies - raising money for dementia charities.
The next will take place on Sunday, July 28 at the Brambles pub in Kirkby , compered by John H. Stracey.
Mr Lally was being cared for at home but was receiving respite care at Maple Lodge Care Home on Arncliffe Road.
His family said they wanted to thank staff and managers at the home and also paid tribute to carers from Local Solutions who have supported them.
Jo said: "They were just brilliant. The care home could not do enough for him or for us as a family.
"They were amazing and even the carers have been in bits. My mum has been unbelievable, she just lived for my dad."
Jo said the Lally family was taking enormous comfort from the tributes that have flooded in for her dad.
Wellwishers said they were heartbroken to learn of his death, calling him a "Liverpool legend" and "one of the good guys".
She added: "We knew he was well known but it's just been unbelievable. People have said he was a true gent and he'd do anything for anyone.
"We're just so proud of him."
Details of Mr Lally's funeral will be announced in due course.
In lieu of flowers his family is asking wellwishers to make a donation to Maple Lodge Care Home through a fundraising page which is currently being set up.
Find more details of the Joe Lally + Robbie Davies Charity night for Dementia on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/yesteryearssheros/
