Supporters look to play their part after passing of much-loved Valiant Errol
THE Port Vale Supporters Club have set up a fund-raising page to help with funeral costs of Errol Yorke.
Errol was hugely popular with Port Vale supporters for his work with the club along with Gavin his son. Gavin has been donning the Boomer mascot suit for 25 years and Errol was always alongside him making sure no child was overlooked.
Errol, from Baddeley Green, was diagnosed with brain cancer and his family announced on December 1 that he had passed away.
Supporters’ club chairman Mark Porter says the fund-raising effort is in recognition of all the work Errol volunteered for the club and fans.
He said: “Errol was an integral part of Port Vale and the community. He has done a lot at Port Vale, was a devoted dad and husband and the least we can do is help his family at this sad time.”
The fund raising effort is on website Gofundme, under ‘Errol Yorke Boomer’s Dad Funeral Costs’. There will also be a bucket collection at today’s game.
Errol’s funeral is at Carmountside Crematorium on Monday at 12.45pm. At Errol’s request, friends are asked to wear something colourful.
For those who cannot make the service, the family will be honouring one of his wishes by driving past Port Vale one last time, and pausing for a minute. That should be between 12.10pm and 12.30pm.
His daughter Julie has thanked everyone who has sent messages of condolences.
She posted on Facebook: “Words cannot express how grateful and overwhelmed we are in the response to my father’s death. The messages from people near and far, friends, colleagues and strangers have been stupendous and we cannot thank you all enough.
“As a family we knew how special my father was, but we are so proud and privileged to know that his work with Port Vale, charity within the community and generosity made him a true gentleman and ‘special’ to everyone that he met. We thank you for being part of his life and that you enriched it daily, he loved you all.
“Gavin has lost his best friend, mum has lost the love of her life, I have lost my hero and his brothers, Jasper and Brian have lost a dear loved one.”
■ THE Supporters’ club is reminding fans of its Christmas appeals.
They are asking supporters to donate non-perishable food items or gifts for two chosen appeals.
The first is the Swan Bank Methodist church and their Christmas Day project which involves serving 450 meals, including taking out to people and spending time with people who may be on their own.
There are also meals at the church on the day, and tea to take home and a present, as well as carols and activities on the day.
The second cause is the Macari Centre in Hanley, set up by former Stoke boss Lou Macari.
This provides vital accommodation for people living on the streets and Lou has a practical, hands-on role in the day-to-day running of the centre.
All donations received will be split equally between the two.
Drop off points for fans to leave their food or gifts are: The Port Vale club shop, Burslem police station, the Vale social club, the Duke William and Post Office Vaults pubs in Burslem and Manor Shop in both Scholar Green and Trentham, and ICL in Kidsgrove.