Heartfelt tributes have been paid to an expectant dad and lifelong Aston Villa fan Shawn Francis who has died. The 29-year-old was due to become a father in the summer with his long-term partner Danielle but was found dead on Saturday.
Shawn, who was a season ticket holder at Villa Park, was said to be a hugely popular figure within the community of Castle Vale, with donations now flooding in after a fundraising page was set up in his honour and to help his family with funeral costs, reports BirminghamLive.
One of the donors is Manchester City star Jack Grealish, who previously played for Aston Villa, and was said to be a friend of Shawn's. Grealish donated £5,000 to the page that has already raised £25,000.
A balloon release is being planned for May 6 at Castle Vale stadium in Birmingham to honour the 29-year-old with claret and blue colours encouraged.
A tribute on Shawn’s Instagram page read: “Heaven gained the most beautiful and purest angel of all. Our hearts will forever be missing a huge piece that you filled. You were the most caring, loving, honest and fun person who deserved more from life.
“Our son will be your legacy and we know that through him you will always be with us. He will always know how special and amazing his daddy is.
“Words will never measure the joy and love you brought us all and, until we meet again, love you. Rest in heavenly paradise, you have gone home to your mom and dad now. Love you always our angel.”
Andrew Inwood, who set up the donation page, posted: “Our hearts are heavy as we write this note for support. Our dear friend and brother, Shawn Francis, has left us far too soon, leaving behind a loving partner who is pregnant with their first child and a brother who he was bonded with and loved dearly.
“We are all devastated by this loss, but our focus now is on supporting his family during this very difficult time. We cannot imagine the pain his family must be feeling, knowing that Danielle will soon bring their son into the world without Shawn by her side.
“It breaks all of our hearts to think about the challenges that lie ahead for them, and we want to do everything we can to ease their burden. We want to raise funds to support Shawn's family, to help cover the costs of the funeral and raising a baby, and lower the financial burden after such a devastating tragedy.
“We want to give baby L, who will be a nephew to all of us, the best possible start in life, and we know that our friends and the wider community can come together to make a positive difference.
“If you knew Shawn personally you know he lived his life through kindness, and any donations will be greatly appreciated. If he was still with us, we are sure he would insert a joke of some form right here.
“We are currently too heartbroken to think of one but rest assured we know the banter would be out in full. If you can spare anything, big or small, consider making a donation to help support Shawn’s family. Every little bit counts and your generosity will make a world of difference to a family that is hurting so deeply.
“Let's come together to honour Shawn’s memory and support the family he loved eternally. We love you always, Shawn.”
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