Fundraiser could be first of many

Friends, family and Baggies heroes from past and present were at The Grove to celebrate the life of the Premier League club's much-loved mascot and lifelong fan Richard Eades who passed away in December 2017 at the age of just 42.

Organised to raise funds for the late fan's two young children, Lily-Mae, 8, and Archie, 3, Albion’s caretaker boss Darren Moore and midfielder Chris Brunt were among the big names who attended the event at the home of the EVO-STIK League Premier Division's Yeltz, along with Baggies legends Andy Johnson, Geoff Horsfield and Bob Taylor.

After kicking off with a nine-a-side tournament at 11am, mascots from all over the country competed in a special ‘It’s a Knockout’ style match before an Albion Legends XI took on Boing FC, the club 'Eadesy' was involved with for over a decade as a player and manager.

According to Halesowen Town vice-chairman Dave Hawley, the day long event featuring an entertainment-packed programme for all the family including face-painting and a fun fair is likely to be repeated after the success of Sunday.

Hawley said: "As well as more 1400 spectators online, over 2500 fans attended this fantastic event for a very worthy cause and there is already talk of this becoming an annual event."

‘Eadesy’ embarked on almost 30 years’ service at the Premier League giants as a 14-year-old - working first as a member of the groundstaff before joining the coaching set-up at the Hawthorns. He is most fondly remembered for his role as mascot ‘Albi’ having donned the famous costume since 2007.

West Brom caretaker boss Moore told expressandstar.com afterwards: “It was a wonderful tribute for a wonderful man. He touched lots of hearts – thousands of hearts at West Bromwich Albion. The mere fact so many people attended epitomises the person he was.

“Through players, staff, fans and the community, we all turned out to come and support his family for a wonderful cause. Richard was a warming, approachable man who would have done anything for you. I was delighted to turn out to support his family.”

Horsfield said: “It’s brilliant seeing the old faces and really good to get together and help a fantastic cause as well. I think it says a massive amount about Rich, everybody loved him around the club and it just proves that.”

Richard’s partner of 18 years Carly Evans said: “It was emotional but nice to see so many people turned out for him. He’s given me two beautiful children and our best memories are with the kids.

"It just goes to show that more people out there knew what a great bloke he was. I’ve always known what he was like. He was all for his family and his friends. He would do anything for anybody. And he loved his football."

Images courtesy of @halesowentownfc/Twitter

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