Farewell to

TRIBUTES TO A LEGEND OF WALLSEND BOYS CLUB

Reporter HEARTBROKEN mourners said their final goodbyes to a Wallsend Boys Club legend who helped launch the careers of some of football’s greats.

Family and friends came together at Newcastle’s West Road Crematorium to pay their respects and celebrate the life of David Beardall, who died at the Royal Victoria Infirmary aged 78.

Scores of mourners filled the East Chapel for an emotional funeral service where tributes were paid to David’s 38 years with Wallsend Boys Club and his contributions to sport in the North East.

Fond memories such as his first match as youth leader with the club, which ended in a 21-0 defeat, and family anecdotes were shared.

There was a mixture of sadness and laughter as close friends were moved by stories of David’s achievements and his legacy.

Well-wishers were thanked by David’s sister Margaret Muse and brother-in-law Geoff as the service drew to a close with the song Crest of a Wave, in honour of the stalwart’s background with the Scout movement.

Speaking shortly after his death, Margaret said of her brother: “My mum used to say to us, ‘What are you going to be when you grow up?’ and David said, ‘Happy.’

“He was a very caring person and he thought about others before himself. If he could help raise money for a charity, he would always be on hand to help.

“David has done a lot more for people than I will ever know about. It is amazing – people come up to me to talk David. “He didn’t ask for money. His reward was seeing young people perform well and reach their potential.” Margaret Muse about my In his time with Wallsend, David helped launch the careers of Alan Shearer, Peter Beardsley, Michael Carrick and Steve Bruce.

He also was heavily involved in the development of junior golfers in the North East, and was a stalwart of the Northumberland Junior Golf Association.

Among the many aspiring young-