Remembering a gentle giant
FAMILY members of a footballer killed after an incident outside a Bangor nightclub attended a memorial five-a-side tournament in his honour on Sunday.
It is one of several fundraisers set up to help relatives of 27-year-old father-of-two, Eskinumo Ayabowei, who was found unconscious outside Peep in Bangor following reports of an assault in the early hours of April 1.
He sadly died in hospital the following day.
Kieren Terence Roberts, 26, of Penrhyn Avenue, Maesgeirchen, near Bangor, will go on trial in October accused of murder.
Following an outpouring of support from his home community on Anglesey, more than £12,000 has already been raised in his memory, to be donated to his partner and two daughters.
Known as Henry Esin to loved ones, and Romeo to teammates, former clubs of his – including Llangefni, Llanfairpwll and Trearddur Bay – also donated part of their gate receipts to the fund.
Former teammates and fellow students took part in a memorial match at Bangor City’s Nantporth Stadium before another of Henry’s former clubs staged a five-aside tournament and fun day. It is hoped this could develop into an annual memorial event.
It was attended by Henry’s partner, daughters and other relatives.
Mathew Thomas, chairman of Gaerwen FC, who organised the day alongside Peter Twigg and Steve Jones, said: “I’d like to thank all the teams and the people who’ve turned up to support this event in memory of Romeo.
“I’d also like to thank the people who have donated to the fund. We hope the money will help his family and also help raise awareness about what happened on that sad night in Bangor.” Mr Thomas added: “No-one has a bad word to say about Romeo. He was a gentle giant in every way and always had a beaming smile when you saw him.”
Following his tragic death, Henry’s family released a tribute to the keen Arsenal supporter, saying: “He always put his family first, sometimes to the detriment of his own interests.
“We as a family will not allow this senseless act to destroy the future of his beloved girls.”