United star pays tribute to tragic keeper Jordan
18-YEAR-OLD SAID OLD TRAFFORD STOPPER WAS HER ‘INSPIRATION’
DAVID de Gea has paid tribute to a promising goalkeeper who died aged just 18.
Jordan Dawes, who played for Charlton Athletic as a youth, idolised the United star, describing him as her ‘inspiration.’
But her career was tragically cut short when she was diagnosed with liver cancer after suffering a stroke in November last year.
Friends made contact with De Gea via Twitter and the Spain international responded by sending Jordan the gloves he wore for his 250th Premier League game, signed and with a personal message.
Jordan was delighted, tweeting to De Gea: “Thank you so much, you’re my literal inspiration.” Sadly, Jordan’s mum Michelle shared the news that her daughter died on Friday saying: “We are beyond heartbroken”. De Gea responded on Saturday night by posting a picture of Jordan on Twitter with the message: “Rest in peace, Jordan. I’m sure you will keep on making saves up in heaven” A number of players from the Women’s Super League and England internationals including Fran Kirby and Casey Stoney sent messages of support. Charlton Athletic Women tweeted: “Everyone at Charlton Athletic Women is saddened to hear the news that former player Jordan Dawes has passed away today. “Our thoughts are with her family at this difficult time.” Jordan’s family said in a statement: “Today our beautiful total amazeballs daughter Jordan Dawes went to sleep for the last time. “We are beyond heartbroken and I don’t know how we are ever going to continue without our beautiful girl, she had so much life to live. “Never stop loving and hugging your beautiful children as it’s cruel bloody world out there.”
Jordan had most recently been playing for Kent Football United.
The club posted a poignant picture of her with the message: “It is with great sadness we announce that our amazing Ladies goalkeeper Jordan has passed away from cancer.
“A talented, polite, hard working woman. Our thoughts are with her family and friends.
“We would like to thank the footballing world for their amazing support.”
A crowdfunding page that was set up to help pay for Jordan’s treatment has passed more than £8,500 in donations.
Never stop loving and hugging your children as it’s a cruel bloody world out there Jordan Dawes’ family