Popular sportsman dies aged 38

Andy played for several football clubs in the area including Hastings Rangers, Bexhill Town, Eastbourne Town and Lewes. He was also a talented cricketer and played for Hastings Priory and Ashburnham.

He was diagnosed with the illness five years ago and died on April 14 aged 38. His wife Karen said: "I'd really like to say how brave he was through it all. He kept us all smiling."

His mother Topsy echoed Karen's words: "He lived for his sport and was a very brave young man to go through five years of this dreadful illness without ever complaining about it."

Andy will also be missed by his two daughters Abbie, ten, and Bethan, seven, and his two siblings Warren, Gary and Nichola.

Andy worked as a self employed window fitter before his illness, and lived in the Herstmonceux area before moving to the Chaseley Nursing Home near Eastbourne.

His funeral is being held at Hastings Crematorium on Wednesday (April 24), 11.45am. Friends are welcome to attend a gathering in his memory at Hastings Town Sports and Social Club afterwards.

His wife requested flowers from family only and any donations to the Motor Neurone Disease Association.

There will also be a collection at the Hastings Town v Ashford Town game on April 27.