Teen issues heartfelt tribute to dad and calls on fellow SAFC fans to mark his passing with round of applause
“It would be a fitting tribute to his legacy as an SAFC fan”
A schoolboy who lost his father to cancer last week has paid a heartfelt tribute to his dad, and called on fellow Sunderland AFC supporters to mark his passing with a round of applause when the team face Chelsea on Sunday.
Sunderland AFC-mad Paul Fairless was diagnosed with stage four pancreatic cancer in May last year but lost his brave fight for life on May 13, almost a year to the day since his diagnosis.
His son and fellow Black Cats fan Charlie Fairless, 15, said it would be a fitting tribute if supporters could give Paul a round of applause during the 64th minute, as that was his dad’s age.
He said: “My dad loved SAFC. Chis Rigg sent him a video message wishing him well before he passed away and he was over the moon. My dad was actually invited to attend the game against Nottingham Forest and to meet the players on what would have been the day after his birthday.
“Unfortunately, by the time the game came around he was too ill to attend. If the fans can recognise my dad with a round of applause at the Chelsea game on Sunday (May 24) it would mean so much to me and my family. It would be a fitting tribute to his legacy as an SAFC fan and if he is looking down, it would mean so much to him.”
Charlie also wanted to pay his own personal tribute to his dad.
He said: “My dad was always a caring dad and would light up the room when he walked in - everyone enjoyed being around him.
“He was a great man who taught me the ways of life. We all miss him so much and it’s horrible to think he is not here anymore.
“I will miss him for the rest of my life, but he wouldn’t want me to be upset, he would want me to do him proud.”
Paul’s funeral is due to take place in a family service at Durham Crematorium on May 28, but Charlie said people who knew Paul and would like pay their respects were welcome to attend the wake at Ferryhill Working Men’s Club from 2.30pm.
The family are also planning to install a memorial bench in the town, as a “place to go and remember him”.