Outpouring of love after sporting dad dies at 26
DONATIONS WILL HELP CREATE OPPORTUNITIES FOR KIDS
A FAMILY left devastated after the sudden death of a young dad have had thousands of pounds donated to a foundation they have set up in his memory.
Tributes have been paid to muchloved Jordan Harbottle, 26, who died on October 14.
Nottingham Forest fan Jordan, fondly known as “Jord” to friends and family, was described as a “beautiful, kind and caring soul who always invested his time in others”.
The passionate sports fan and cricketer for Radcliffe-on-trent Cricket Club leaves behind a closeknit family including parents Shirley and Stephen, partner Olivia and daughter Nola, who turns one in December.
Now, the family have raised over £11,000 to set up The Harby Foundation, which will give less fortunate children the opportunity to access sport.
Jordan’s cousin Claire KelliherSmith said: “Jord was amazing, he was always the person that would help anyone.
“He was very fit and healthy, he loved sport and played an awful lot of cricket.
“He had his own business, he was very successful and would always help out if he saw an opportunity for his friends.
“He was a big part of both sides of the family and he had a little girl who is going to be one. It’s heartbreaking to be honest. We’d love nothing more than to have him back.”
Jordan, who ran Bottles Furniture in West Bridgford, had recently moved out of his family home and was in the process of renovating his own home in Cotgrave.
The night before he died, Jordan was staying at his parents’ home in Gamston. He went to bed and didn’t wake up the next day.
Claire, 47, said: “It was a shock. They can find no cause for it at the moment. It’s very unfair.”
Around 300 people lined the streets last week for Jordan’s funeral.
Claire, of Lowdham, added: “We would’ve had 400 people or more at his funeral but it wasn’t possible due to Covid-19.
“A lot of people wanted to say goodbye and they couldn’t. It was the best it could’ve been, there was a beautiful service.
“Weddings at the moment can be rearranged but we can’t get that day back.
“But we’re going to have a memorial fun day in May. It’ll be a great big occasion with a charity football or cricket match.”
Speaking of The Harby Foundation, Claire said the aim is to give children access to sport, which may be difficult for some parents with subs and kit expenses.
She said his mum had the idea that instead of asking for flowers for the funeral, they could set up their own foundation to “keep his name alive”.
The family has already had people offering to provide coaching and sports gear.
She said: “Jord loved sport so we thought this was apt. It’s early days but if we can help out children who don’t have the same opportunities, he would’ve been really enthusiastic about that.
“It isn’t a project that’s out there at the moment. Sport helps keep a lot of children out of trouble, it gives them an avenue and points them in the right direction. “Jord knew how much he was loved and how much we thought of him. He’d be very proud of us for doing this.”
A poem in memory of Jordan written by his cousin Dan read: “Now when we hear the mull of Kintyre, we’ll think of your lighthouse light, “And when the mist rolls in from the Trent, we’ll keep your memory burning bright, “Bright with the love you gave us, bright to keep the darkness from the dawn, “For you were more than a candle in the wind, you were a lighthouse in the storm.”
You can donate to The Harby Foundation fundraiser at https:// www.gofundme.com/f/the-harbyfoundation
Jord was amazing, he was always the person that would help anyone. He loved sport.
Claire Kelliher-smith