On Tuesday, 12th July, over 200 people attended the funeral of popular Community Youth Football Coach, Donny Sinclair, who collapsed and died at a football presentation day on Fathers Day in Newhaven.
Many mourners at the service, which was held at the Downs Crematorium in Brighton, had to stand outside and listen via speaker as the inside was packed to capacity.
Donny started his final journey from the Peacehaven Swimming School and was driven past the Hollow Recreation Ground en route to the Crematorium where forty representatives of DaSH JFC stood in silence on the pitch.
His coffin bearers were members of the team he captained in his youth – Red Star Rife from Bognor – whilst young members of the U12’s team he coached made a guard of honour to see him through.
A crowdfunding campaign has raised £6,000 so far to support the 49 year old’s young family – including four children aged 12 and under.
Local bands held a ‘jam’ night at the Hampden Arms, South Heighton on Saturday 9th July, raising over £550 for the fund.
Newhaven Football Club will be dedicating their first home match of the season at the Trafalgar Ground to Donny on the 6th August with a minutes silence, a collection and a dedication in the programme at their FA Cup extra-preliminary tie against Rochester United and Donny’s widow, Vicky, and their children will be invited as special guests.
Donations can still be made at : https://crowdfunding.justgiving.com/donnysinclair