TRIBUTES have been paid to a keen and much-loved volunteer at Ledbury Town Football Club who 'made fans feel at home.'

Jill Boyle passed away last Wednesday, July 24 aged 72. 

She is the mother of Ledbury chairman Peter Boyle and has been a devoted volunteer at the club for many years.

The club will pay tribute to her with a minute of applause at their opening game of the 2024/25 season against Worcester United next Friday, August 9. 

Mrs Boyle, alongside husband Jock, most of her family and the clubs committee, worked tirelessly, but with a smile on her face, to make sure everything ran smoothly at the club and people could enjoy their day at the football.

Mr Boyle told the Reporter: "The children who would come to the matches called her the sweet lady as she would turn up with a bag of Haribos and hand them out.

"She loved the football club and loved a party, she was the first to try and get people to dance, she was always a bit younger than her years, and you could never slow her down. 

"The reason I got involved with the club was because of her and the rest of my family who volunteered, I want her legacy to carry on through the club's success in the future."

Mr Boyle added his mother was a giving woman right to the end, as being an organ donor her kidneys and corneas were donated to those who needed them.

He added: "It was a great thing to do and we are very proud of her. 

"Anyone who knew mum knew she had a big heart and would help anyone, so it is fitting even after she has passed on she is still helping people.

"She was larger than life and was always the one making fans feel at home by asking how they were. 

“She said what she saw, mum was someone who always saw the brighter side of life."

Around 20 years ago, Mrs Boyle suffered an inflammation on the side of her brain that resulted in her having short-term memory loss. 

With the help of Herefordshire Headway, she was able to regain some of her short-term memory and could lead a normal life. 

Now all the funds raised from next Friday's gate will be donated to the charity. 

Mr Boyle is also asking people who come to his mum's funeral at 11.15am on Thursday, August 15 at Hereford Crematorium to make donations to the charity rather than buy flowers.

Visit https://geraldine-boyle.muchloved.com/ to donate.