Family and friends of Rick Williams launch bid to help meet funeral costs
A £1,000 fundraising target towards the funeral of much loved disabled footballer, Rick Williams has almost been reached the day after it was set up.
By this morning devastated friends, family and well wishers had donated more than £700 for the Wrexham Disability FC goalie’s service.
Rick, 31, collapsed and died at Ty Mawr Country Park on Sunday after swimming in the River Dee, despite attempts to save him.
If the target is smashed, it is hoped any money left over from funeral costs will be spent on a bench dedicated to Rick.
His family and friends would like to see the bench placed at the location where he passed away.
Flowers have been laid where the football fan died, with one tribute in twigs spelling out “I love you”.
A JustGiving web page has been set up to raise money for Rick’s final farewell by foothball club chiefs.
“Sadly missed by all”
It read: “We are absolutely devastated at Wrexham Disability FC. We’re one big family and Rick will be sadly missed by all.
“As a club, Wrexham Disability Football Club have been overwhelmed by the support of the Wrexham community and the requests off a number of individuals, and sadly finance is a problem at this difficult time so we have decided to set up a just giving page to support the loved ones of Richard.
“Funds will go a long way towards the difficult weeks ahead and tragic costs that need to be covered at this most upsetting and unexpected time.
“As a club we would like to support the family as much as we possibly can and would like to give Richard the best send off.”
One of Rick’s best friends, Shaun Roberts, who regarded him as a brother, said: “The response has been fantastic.
“The JustGiving page was only set up last night and has already raised hundreds to help the family give Rick a good funeral.”
“If it goes above the £1,000 target, then money will be put towards a bench as a memorial to Rick at the location.”
Tributes poured in for Rick with hundreds posted on the football club’s Facebook page, mourning his death.
Wrexham AFC chiefs join outpouring of grief for disabled footballer who lost his life in Dee tragedy
Team manager Carl Austin said: “Everyone involved with Wrexham DSA FC are devastated.
“No words can explain the bond we have at our club but we are one big family.
“To lose someone at any age is tough but at 31 with no health issues is incredibly hard to process.”
