Tributes have been paid to a football-loving dad from Stockport who died at work. Skip driver Simon Holtham died after he suddenly fell ill before suffering a cardiac arrest at his workplace, United Junk Skip Hire.
Despite the best efforts of his colleagues, he was pronounced dead on Monday, July 20. The 52-year-old, who lived in Offerton, leaves behind his partner of nine years and four-year-old son.
Friend's tribute
His close friend, Carl Morris, 51, spoke to the M.E.N about the heartbreaking loss. "He was my best mate from growing up, from when we were kids," Carl explained.
"He's left his fiancé behind and a little lad. Really, it's been about trying to keep on top of them, make sure they're okay and other family and friends have been doing the same as well.
"He's one of them guys that would have done everything for you. Always made sure everybody was alright before himself."
A devoted fan
"He was a big Liverpool and Stockport County fan. We've done lads holidays, nights out, weddings, christenings and he asked me to be the Godfather for his lad."
Describing what happened on the day Simon died, Carl said: "He's gone into work and not felt too clever. He's passed out and gone into cardiac arrest. They tried to revive him at work but they couldn't revive him."
Fundraising and funeral
A GoFundMe has been created to support Simon's partner, Amy, and son, Freddie. The campaign has almost reached its goal of £5k, less than a week after it was launched.
Carl says the money will be used to help Amy and Freddie as they prepare for life without Simon. A celebration of Simon's life will be held at the Stockport Crematorium on Friday (August 28). Attendees are asked to wear Liverpool FC and Stockport County FC t-shirts to the event.
