A dad and former footballer who worked in Wigan has died after being diagnosed with Motor Neurone Disease.
George Melling, 37, died just over a year after he was told about the degenerative condition, which affects the brain and nerves. The former club captain at Longridge Town, near Preston, was diagnosed in January 2021, and brought forward his wedding to partner Nicci, with the couple tying the knot two years earlier than planned.
According to Lancs Live, the Global Engineering LTD employee will be remembered as a “leader and a winner” as well as a beloved husband to wife Nicci, father to Jacob and Isabelle and step-father to Kaiser. The Blackpool man needed round-the-clock care soon after his diagnosis after the disease took hold.
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Announcing his death, wife Nicci said that he will leave a massive hole in everyone’s hearts. She said: “Heaven gained the best angel early hours this morning and we were all by his side right to the very end. Everyone is so very proud of the horrendous battle that you tried so hard to fight. MND is not the definition of George Melling it was just the cruel cruel disease that took him away from us.
"He was a fantastic father… a terrible dancer…. Life and soul of the party and I’m so very proud to call him my husband. Once met never forgotten!!! When he walked in a room you knew about it!! You couldn’t help but love him. The twinkle in his eye and that cheeky wink, his presence was infectious.”
George, 37, played for teams including Kendal Town, Morecambe, Colne and Clitheroe during his footballing career as well as working at Global Engineering LTD in Wigan, with tributes coming in from across the footballing community after his death on Monday, April 11.
In a Facebook post, Longridge Town wrote: “It is with a heart-breaking sadness that the Club has learnt of the death earlier today of former Captain George Melling. George has been suffering with Motor Neurone Disease for the past two years and all our thoughts are with his Mum and Dad, wife Nicci and children Jacob, Isabel and stepson Kaiser.
"George was more than a player and captain for Longridge Town FC, he was one of us, a long-time friend of both Ashey and Kieran, a leader and a winner. He will be forever remembered by all of us at Longridge Town, and sorely missed. RIP Big G… give our love to Tucker.”
Clitheroe Town wrote: “Clitheroe FC would like to offer sincere condolences to the family of our former player George Melling who has sadly passed away after his long standing battle with Motor Neurone disease. Godspeed and RIP.”
Northwich Victoria, another of George’s former clubs, posted: “The Club are completely devastated to learn that our former player and non-league giant George Melling has tragically passed away. We send all our love & strength to George’s family and friends. His legacy for the fight he made against MND will live eternally and help others”
