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Alright everyone,

I wanted to tell you about my best friend Tom Haynes.

Tom was born and raised in Nottingham by lifelong Sunderland fan George Haynes. Being George’s only son - Tom never stood a chance and became a lifelong follower himself going home and away as often as he can. Despite moving to London, they would always call after every game to vent their frustrations or celebrate the result.

Tragically, on the 17th October 2022, Tom collapsed in his London flat with a symptomless and causeless bleed on the brain. Despite the best efforts of those around him he never regained consciousness and passed away two days later with all of us by his side. I know you hear this a lot when someone passes, but he literally lit up every room with his infectious personality and he has left a whole in our lives that will never be filled.

I myself, despite my faults, am a Bristol City fan and we had planned to travel together to watch the game between the two at the Stadium of Light on 18th February. Sadly, Tom will not able to make that trip anymore, however George and many friends and family are still making the journey in his honour.

It will be an emotional day for us all regardless but I wondered if we were able to spread to news about Tom and possibly even organise a minutes applause to the man who meant so much to so many? I am not sure who else to reach out to but will keep trying as it would mean the world to George and others to have him celebrated in such a way.

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