An 'inspirational' businessman who helped others in his community and became known as one of the country's most devoted football fans has died. Tributes have poured in for Kevin Peek, who died on Monday (June 19), the day after his 66th birthday.
Kevin, who lived with brittle bone disease, was well-known in his hometown Eccles and ran three businesses. But his biggest love was Manchester United, having followed the club home and away for more than 50 years.
Becky Thompson, 45, was Kevin's business partner and 'best friend in the world'. She told the Manchester Evening News: "It was just like having another kid with him.
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"I don't think we've ever been apart for 20 years." Alongside Becky, Kevin ran a computer shop, before setting up a Learndirect training centre.
Speaking to the M.E.N. back in 2007, Kevin explained how tutors at Salford University had recommended he began teaching after he 'was always helping other students' on his course. Kevin and Becky later opened the Porky Pigs Café, in Peel Green, where they continued working together until his death.
"He was here every day," said Becky. "He was the life and soul of the place. All the customers would come in and speak to him, they loved chatting to him about football.
"There's a lot of friends he's got in the café that are going to miss him. A lot of them came to see Kev, he was there as soon as it opened until it shut.
"He's always worked, from leaving school he's done something. He's had three businesses, he's never sat about doing nothing. People see Kevin as an inspiration."
Kevin and Becky went out for a curry last Friday as an early birthday meal, where the pair had a 'right good time'. She says supporting United was 'his life' - having travelled to games across England and abroad in his wheelchair for decades.
Chas Banks MBE, secretary at the Manchester United Disabled Supporters' Association, described Kevin as an 'incredible' person who would 'turn up in all kinds of places' - even chatting to Sir Alex Ferguson while he was managing during some games. He told the club website: "He was a smart lad and certainly knew his football.
"He was totally committed. I don't think there's anyone on this planet who's seen more United matches than him. There can't be!
"I don't think he missed a game for 17 or 18 years – maybe the odd one. But basically he was just always there. He was part of the furniture."
A statement from Manchester United said: "All at Manchester United are saddened to learn that one of our most popular and devoted fans, Kevin Peek, has passed away. Born in Eccles, Kev had been attending games both at Old Trafford and on the road since the 1972/73 season – a time when provisions were pitifully lacking for disabled supporters.
"But Peek, who suffered from brittle bone disease, refused to let anything sway him from following his beloved team. His death, at the age of 66, means there is now a massive hole in the United fanbase."
