A family has paid tribute to a Blackburn Rovers matchday PA announcer who has died.
Last week it was announced that Matt Sillitoe, a life-long fan who had undertaken a number of roles for the club, had died.
Now his family has issued a statement praising Matt as a “selfless” and “passionate” man.
A tribute was also paid to Matt at Sunday’s (August 27) game against Watford and a picture of him was put up on the score board.
In a statement Matt’s family said: “We have been truly overwhelmed by the outpour of love and support shown to our family since we lost our beloved Matt last week.
“To know that Matt was so highly thought of by so many people has truly touched our hearts and provided us with some comfort in the darkest of days.
“We have been inundated with sympathy cards and flowers over the past few days and are extremely grateful and appreciative to everyone who has reached out and offered their condolences.”
A fundraiser has also been set up in his name and all money raised be put towards Blackburn Rovers Community Trust’s Remember the Rovers dementia project.
The statement said: “Matt was a selfless young man who was very passionate about helping others and supporting worthy causes, and we are sure that he would want us, and the Rovers family, to follow the example he set.
“Rather than flowers, a JustGiving account has been set up in Matt’s name, should any Rovers fans wish to show their support and make a donation.
“All the money raised will be put towards Blackburn Rovers Community Trust’s fantastic Remember the Rovers dementia project, which Matt was extremely proud to host for several years.
“Thank you all once again for the touching tributes, particularly those seen at Watford on Sunday and all the kind messages on social media – they mean more than you will ever know.”
Matt presented Radio Rovers before becoming the club’s matchday PA announcer and DJ in 2014.
A qualified referee, avid Lancashire Cricket fan and former University of Salford student, Matt had most recently been working as a digital content producer for the globally leading gambling awareness and harm-prevention company, EPIC Risk Management
In a statement on its website, the club said: “Everyone at Blackburn Rovers and Blackburn Rovers Community Trust is deeply saddened and shocked to learn of the untimely passing of our friend and colleague Matt Sillitoe, aged just 30.
“The voice of Ewood Park for over a decade, Matt had worked in a variety of roles for the club since starting out as a camera operator for our broadcast partner, CREATV, in 2012.
“The thoughts and prayers of everyone connected with the club are with Matt’s family and friends at this incredibly difficult time.”
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