‘My world has come crashing down, but I must carry on for the kids’
WIDOW’S GRIEF AND SHOCK AT DEATH OF HUSBAND, AGED 41
wife of a football coach who died after a long struggle with his mental health has described him as the “most fantastic person” and the “best husband”.
Kirby Muxloe FC coach Adam Hart, 41, died on May 31, a week after returning from his honeymoon with his wife, Verity.
The couple, who lived in Ratby, married in August last year.
Verity, also 41, said: “He was just absolutely amazing. He was the nicest, gentlest, kindest person you would ever, ever meet.
“The best husband, the best family man. He was the most fantastic person you could come across and it’s been horrific to lose him. I feel like my world has just come crashing down and I don’t know how I’m going to find the strength to carry on. But I know I have to because we have seven children between us and he would want me to carry on for the kids.”
The couple became friends 10 years ago, when Adam started coaching Verity’s eldest son as part of his role as a football and fitness instructor, going to schools to teach PE and run school clubs. They became a couple about four years ago.
In February last year, Adam was injured in a road accident in Saffron Lane, Leicester, which left him with mobility problems. He was unable to work for a time, and beautician Verity, who had worked in Leicester, moved to run her own salon in Ratby so she could be nearer to Adam while he recovered.
In November, despite ongoing mobility problems, Adam was hired as the coach for Kirby Muxloe FC, where he was passionate about getting the best out of the players and made a big impact. Verity said football meant a lot to Adam – particularly after the accident – and she had been comforted to see so many messages about how he had brightened the lives of so many other people.
She said: “He suffered with his menTHE tal health for a long time and football was his passion – being able to work as a coach really gave him purpose after his injuries stopped him being able to play or even kick a ball.
“Since he died, so many parents have got in touch with me to say how loved he was by everyone.”
Adam leaves Verity and their fiveyear-old daughter, Arabella, and the couple’s children from their previous relationships.
Kirby Muxloe FC also paid tribute to Adam. In a statement, the club said: “It’s with huge sadness that we announce the sudden passing of senior coach Adam Hart.
“Adam brought a huge amount of knowledge, enthusiasm and energy to the club since his arrival at the end of 2021. Adam has always taken pride in getting the best from all players in any team he’s been involved with and has made a big impact on the youth players, helping bring them through into the senior section of the club.
“In a recent interview, he spoke about the plans for the future of the club, showing his passion to get the best from everyone around him. Adam will be deeply missed by all that knew him at Kirby FC and our thoughts are with his family.”
An appeal on JustGiving has raised thousands of pounds for the family. It was set up to raise £1,000 to pay towards funeral costs, and has reached almost five times that amount. Verity’s friend Becky Menzies, who set up the fund-raising page, said on JustGiving: “Adam was a much-loved husband, father, stepdad, son, brother, coach and friend.
“He touched the lives of so many with his charm, politeness and caring nature. She added: “If anybody else is struggling, please talk because it’s okay to be not okay”.
To visit the online fund-raiser, search “Becky Menzies” – use the quote marks for ease – at: