12 March 2024 , 19:18
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Bobby Power's daughter Kaitlyn Eadsforth has paid tribute to the late footballer on social media following the announcement of his death.
Father of three Power, who was just 40, spent time in Manchester United's academy and also worked as an actor, best known for his role in 'There's Only One Jimmy Grimble'. He had suffered from pancreatic cancer, and was moved to Dr Kershaw's Hospice in Oldham shortly before his death in February.
"Rest in paradise dad you don't need to suffer anymore", Kaitlyn, 19, wrote on Facebook. "I love you forever and always I'm forever grateful for everything you have done for me, best dad in the world."
As well as the message, she shared a photo of Power on his wedding day. The footballer married childhood sweetheart Jemma Power-Bliss on Valentine's Day, just weeks before his death.
Power's mother Estrella Barry was among those to lead tributes to the sportsman, who also worked as a personal trainer. "If he wasn't at the gym he was climbing mountains," she said. "He loved helping other people. That's what he was all about really, helping people physically and mentally."
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"He spent the rest of his life [after his diagnosis] trying to find a cure," she added. "He wanted to live for his girls. He did everything he could.
"He thought he was going in to get strong so he could get chemotherapy in Liverpool. But unfortunately that's [the hospice] the last place he went."
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Power married his childhood sweetheart Jemma in February (MEN Media)
Power, who died aged 40, spent time in Manchester United's academy (MEN Media)Leigh Sarsfield, a friend of Power's, has launched a crowdfunder to raise money for the hospice where Power spent the end of his life. Sarsfield plans to run a 100 mile ultra marathon, and at the time of writing has raised more than £4,500 in donations.
"I didn’t know Bobby or his family but this story has really touched me," one donor wrote. "What a waste of a lovely gentle soul. My heart breaks for his beautiful wife and family."
"We also used Dr Kershaws for our brother, wrote another. "Amazing people and fantastic work they do, good luck to you all xxx."
"Having lost our mum in Dec at the [Manchester Royal Infirmary], I’m so happy Bobby finally got the best end of life care here," wrote a third. "A great cause to help an amazing place. All the best,sending all my love for his family & yourself"