Dave Courtney's family to watch beloved Charlton before launching 1,000 balloons

26 October 2023 , 14:06

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Dave Courtney died on October 22 (Image: Getty Images)

Dave Courtney’s family will watch his favourite team Charlton Athletic and afterwards a 1,000 balloons will be launched from a local pub.

The reformed gangster took his own life after making the decision to “stop the ride”, his family said in an emotional statement. The 64-year-old was found dead at his Camelot Castle home in Plumstead home on October 22.

In a statement released by his family, his loved ones recalled the title of his autobiography "Stop The Ride, I Want To Get Off" as they addressed his decision to die. They have also revealed he had both cancer and arthritis, which became "too much" in his later years - adding that he did not want to be a "burden" to his family and friends.

Courtney had been seen earlier the same day watching Charlton Athletic in what he described as a “cool, cool day” while grinning and enjoying the hospitality treatment in The Valley stadium.

The message published on his X account (davecourtney666/X)

Courtney was a big Charlton Athletic fan (Getty Images)

He wrote on Facebook : "At Charlton today. Full works today three course meal and our man James company is Sponser for the game. Billingham communications .... an wat a cool cool day it's all turning out to be." And now in a statement from his official X, formerly Twitter, account it says that his family will go down to watch Charlton face Bolton Wanderers on Saturday.

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Then afterwards one thousand balloons will be launched from the Royal Oak pub in Charlton and from 9pm a celebration will take place of his life at Courtney’s Camelot Castle home with everyone welcome. The message reads: “On Saturday 28th October, members of Dave’s family and friends will be attending Charlton Athletic vs Bolton Wanderers at The Valley, Charlton. Dave spent his last day there and loved the many memories that he made over the years.

“Following on from this, at 1900 there will be a one thousand balloon launch from The Royal Oak pub in Charlton. This is in memory of Dave, organised by owner Kevin Latta. Dave was a regular at The Royal Oak and shared many happy times there amongst friends. Anyone is welcome.

“From 2100, a Celebration of Dave’s Life will take place at Dave’s Camelot Castle home in Plumstead. There will be a Book of Commemoration that all are welcome to sign and refreshments will be available. This event is open to anyone who wishes to pay their respects to Dave and share memories amongst friends and loved ones.”

Tim Hanlon