Peter Whittingham's brother has spoken for the first time about his family's enduring heartache following the tragic and untimely passing of the Cardiff City icon.
Whittingham, a bona fide legend in this little corner of the world, sadly passed away at the tender age of 35 back in March 2020. He had been out watching Wales play England in the Six Nations when he lost balance and fell through a fire door at a Barry pub. He fell down eight steps, hit his head and, despite surgery to relieve pressure on his brain, ultimately passed away after two weeks on life support.
The news rocked not only Cardiff City but the wider football community, who, no matter what your allegiance, held an enormous appreciation for the gifted footballer Whitts was.
READ MORE: Cardiff City news - live updates
But no one was more shaken to the core than his family. Whittingham left behind his wife, Amanda, and his young son, who is now five. Amanda was pregnant with their second son at the time of his death, another particularly harrowing part of this so tragic story.
“It’s heartbreaking,” Whittingham's brother James told The Athletic.
“It’s still hard for us all; my mum and dad, Amanda, who is such a strong, brave woman, his children. But Peter wouldn’t want us to mope around so we have to soldier on.”
As many learned to be the case with Peter, James said the Whittingham family are private people.
Seeing their beloved Peter's name in the news under such tragic circumstances was rather hard to take in that regard.
“It was very difficult for my folks, who are quite private people," he added. "Seeing their son in the headlines at such a difficult time was hard. But there was nothing we could do as we quickly realised it was very unlikely that he was coming back.”
Only five family members were permitted to attend Whittingham's funeral, which took place shortly after the Covid-19 pandemic restrictions came into place. It's no way to remember someone who meant so much to so many.
There is, however, a memorial match taking place at Cardiff City Stadium on November 30, when fans from Cardiff, Aston Villa and elsewhere can pay tributes in person to one of the best players ever to grace the Championship. In many people's eyes, the best.
The game, which will see the Bluebirds take on Aston Villa, will also be used to officially launch the PW7 Foundation established. The foundation are really hopeful it will be a special occasion and a true celebration of a Bluebirds icon's life.
It will also afford the opportunity to pull together in aid of three charities; the Cardiff City Foundation, Winston's Wish and King Henry VIII in Coventry.
If you would like to attend the match, you can buy tickets here .
READ NEXT
- Cardiff City news as Mark Hudson takes first training session and ex-Bluebird reveals sympathy for Steve Morison
- The major Cardiff City changes Mark Hudson could make as he auditions for top job
- Cardiff City headlines as Gavin Chesterfield poised to take over as new head of academy and new name enters Bluebirds running
Ex-Chelsea coach Jody Morris reveals his managerial ambitions amid Cardiff City talk
