Jack Grealish donates thousands towards funeral costs for 29-year-old fan

Jack Grealish has donated a large sum of money to help with the funeral of a football fan.

The Manchester City star donated £5,000 to assist with funeral costs, following the news that an Aston Villa supporter died on Saturday.

29-year-old Shawn Francis was expecting his first child with his partner, with a donation page set up in his memory.

So far it has already raised nearly £24,000, including a £5,000 donation from his friend Grealish.

GoFundMe

The GoFundMe reads: “We cannot imagine the pain his family must be feeling, knowing that Danielle will soon bring their son into the world without Shawn by her side.

“It breaks all of our hearts to think about the challenges that lie ahead for them, and we want to do everything we can to ease their burden.

“We want to raise funds to support Shawn’s family, to help cover the costs of the funeral and raising a baby, and lower the financial burden after such a devastating tragedy.”

Steffen Prößdorf / Wikimedia

A tribute to Shawn was posted in his Instagram page, saying: “Heaven gained the most beautiful and purest angel of all. Our hearts will forever be missing a huge piece that you filled.

“You were the most caring, loving, honest and fun person who deserved more from life. Our son will be your legacy and we know that through him you will always be with us. He will always know how special and amazing his daddy is.

“Words will never measure the joy and love you brought us all and, until we meet again, love you. Rest in heavenly paradise, you have gone home to your mom and dad now. Love you always our angel.”

Grealish made 213 appearances for his boy-hood club Villa before he moved to Man City in 2021.