Heartfelt tributes have been paid to a devoted father and "unsung hero" of his community after he died suddenly from a rare flesh-eating disease. Darren Carter, 53, from Countesthorpe, passed away on February 13 from necrotising fasciitis, the Leicester Mercury reports.
The dad began to suffer with pain in his leg for a few days before his condition quickly worsened and he was diagnosed with the deadly infection, which sadly killed him 36 hours later. He leaves behind his wife, Dawn, 50, and the couple's two children, Rhys and Drew, along with his parents and sister, who are all said to be "devastated and heartbroken" following the tragic news.
Dawn described her late husband, who dedicated his life to his family and local football club, as a "gentle, quiet man" who was her "best friend and soulmate". As both of their children had left home to live with their partners, this was Dawn and Darren's time alone as a happily married couple.
The much-loved man worked night shifts for Royal Mail but always put his family first. He and Dawn, who is a registered nurse, would work opposite shifts throughout the pandemic to ensure their two sons and extended family were being looked after.
Dawn said: "Life for us revolved around our sons. Darren liked to cook for the family, making the most delicious meals and teaching the boys to be independent".
The couple had also become grandparents for the first time to a baby boy shortly before the first Covid-19 lockdown. Dawn recalled: "Darren loved being a grandad and spent time playing and dancing with him". She vowed to retain the memory of 'Grandad' saying the family will have endless stories of Darren to share.
Darren was also a big Leicester City FC supporter and always enjoyed watching sports with a drink in his hand beside his family. He dedicated the last 20 years of his life to grassroots football, where he became involved with the Whetstone Juniors FC when his eldest son Rhys, then aged eight, wanted to join.
The club was struggling at the time after they suffered a devastating fire at the hands of vandals, leaving its seven teams with no money nor a clubhouse. However, Darren took on the "thankless, time-consuming" role as secretary where he worked closely with his father-in-law, whom he persuaded to become treasurer and temporarily fundraiser of the club. He now remains the club's chairman and treasurer today.
Mr Franks, on behalf of Whetstone Juniors, said: "Through Darren’s hard work to ensure 400 children play in leagues, friendlies and enter tournaments and the managers and coaches gain their qualifications, Whetstone Juniors is now recognised as one of the best- run grassroots football club in the county. During the years at Whetstone, Darren managed to run two teams both his sons played in and was loved by the players and parents."
Darren's oldest son Rhys, 24 is now a qualified coach with a degree in sports management and hopes to get his own son playing soon while Drew, 20 enjoys supporting the team from the sidelines.
Mr Franks added: "Darren is an unsung hero in the football community and he has left a very large hole in Whetstone Juniors, he will be sorely missed and forever loved."
A family friend, Tracey Dabell said she and the rest of the community are still trying to "get their heads around" the 53-year-old's sudden passing who she described as a "fantastic and lovely man". She added: "We all had very good friendships at the club and the parents really looked up to Darren. He a hero for what he's done for the community."
A Go Fund Me page has been set up in his memory to support his family with funeral expenses. You can donate here.
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