Daily Mirror (Northern Ireland)
YOU’LL NEVER WALK ALONE ROBBIE
Liverpool legend sends family video message of sympathy
EX Liverpool boss Roy Evans has shared his condolences with the family of Robbie Fleming following his sudden death.
The 26-year-old dad of died suddenly at his home in Lisburn, Co Antrim, last Tuesday.
And scores turned out to his funeral in Liverpool jerseys in honour of his love for the team.
In a video message to Robbie’s family the former Liverpool manager said: “My name is Roy Evans – ex Liverpool manager. I would just like to send my condolences to the family of Robbie Fleming who passed away recently.
“God bless him. You’ll never walk alone.”
Roy Evans reached out to the young dad’s family following the social media efforts of his friend Ben Mehaffy.
Ben, 23, told the Mirror: “It is amazing how much support has been shown from all.
“I had originally put a post on my twitter on Wednesday reaching out to Liverpool Football Club, which Robbie loved.
“This immediate post was retweeted by Jamie Carragher, then it really took off. Kurt walker had phoned me to say a friend was able to organise the video of Roy Evans which was fantastic and just shows how much, in a time of sadness, the community has pulled together.”
Robbie’s death is said to have come as a shock to his family and friends, especially son, Jack.
Jack’s aunt Vicky Shaw, sister to his mum Nadine, said: “He was dealing with mental health problems and nobody even knew.
“Robbie was very outgoing. Everybody loved him.
“He was actually in my house a few days before it happened with not a care in the world.
“He was saying how he was going to lose weight and move house, him and Jack had booked a holiday as well.
“Obviously he was fighting demons in his head that he hadn’t spoken about.
“Everybody loved him, but Robbie obviously didn’t see ºthat.
“Everybody was amazed by the turn out for his funeral.
“Everybody wore Liverpool tops, even my partner who’s a diehard Manchester United fan.
“We never thought we’d see the day. Robbie would be laughing his socks off.”
Now Vicky is hoping to raise money to help his mum Alison with funeral costs, as well as for a memorial bench his son Jack can visit.
“I am trying to raise some money for the funeral and that,” she continued.
“My nephew wants somewhere for Jack to go to.
“We would also like to raise awareness of mental health as well, as that was what Robbie was dealing with.”
To donate visit www.justgiving. com/crowdfunding/robbiefleming.