More than £2k raised in memory of late West Brom mascot Richard Eades
More than £2,000 has been raised for the family of former West Bromwich Albion mascot and well-known referee Richard Eades.
Donations flooded in after his family, fiancee Carly Evans and children Lily-Mae, aged eight, and Archie, three, took to the pitch at The Hawthorns before Albion’s game against Arsenal on New Year’s Eve.
They were joined by the mascots for Aston Villa, Wolves, Birmingham City and Walsall who all stood alongside West Brom’s Baggie Bird and the family.
Mr Eades, who was Albion mascot Albi, died unexpectedly on Boxing Day, aged 42. News of the death of the father-of-two from Wednesbury has rocked the club, which held a minute’s applause on the 42nd minute during the game against Arsenal.
Ahead of the kick-off, Aston Villa’s Hercules the Lion, Birmingham City’s Beau Brummie, Walsall’s Swifty and Wolves’ Wolfie lined up with Richard’s family.
West Bromwich Albion later tweeted said: “Local rivalries mean nothing today. Our thanks to @AVFCOfficial, @BCFC, @WFCOfficial and @Wolves for their support. #WBA”
More than £2,000 has been donated on a gofundme page where people have also left warm-hearted messages. Jim Rourke posted: “From one football Fan to another. RIP.”
Stewart Howarth said: “RIP fellow Baggie. Thoughts are with your family, you brought great joy to my boy over many years.”
Richard had also been a referee with the Birmingham County FA.
The Wolverhampton Referees’ Association were among those to leave a message which read: “Fond memories of a dear friend.”
A JustGiving page has generated a similar amount for the family.
