Jamie Isherwood Memorial Shield

TRIBUTES flooded in to Southampton Football club and the local paper for a young Saints fan who passed away suddenly in September 2017 aged just 23. Jamie Isherwood who was a care support worker, died of a suspected heart attack.

Jamie was from Thornhill in Southampton and was a Saints Disabled Supporters’ Association (SDSA) member and also a season ticket holder in the Northam section of St Mary’s Stadium. The 23-year-old was born and bred in Southampton and attended Thornhill School and later Woodlands College.

Cathy Isherwood, Jamie’s mum, said “He was a massive Saints fan. He went to every home game and every away game. “He was a lovely lad and would help anyone. Everyone says it, but he genuinely would. “He was very close to his family and his two older brothers. He was brilliant with his oldest brother who has cerebral palsy. “He was just really kind and funny, a loving guy. His condition didn’t really affect him apart from having to go for regular blood tests, but in the end his heart was just too weak” continued Cathy.

Saints fans held a tribute for Jamie at St Mary’s stadium during a home game where the fans stood and clapped for a minute. Speaking about the tribute, Cathy said: “It was a very emotional moment.  I know where he sits and looking across he wasn’t there, which was hard. “A couple of his Saints friends must have told someone and it went from there on social media.” She thanked the club for their support during and after the game”.

Tributes were also paid to the young fan on social media. One wrote: “I’m in total shock, my good mate Jamie Isherwood was taken far too soon. All those fantastic away days with Saints won’t be the same without you fella.”

Another wrote: “RIP Jamie, can’t believe you’re gone, still doesn’t seem real. 23 is far too young to be taken.

”As Jamie was a friend and a helpful member of the SDSA we decided the best way to remember him was by having a memorial trophy and so the idea was born and the SDSA happily took up the idea of sponsoring the “Jamie Isherwod Memorial Shield”

Hamble Youth Pan disability team were chosen to be recipients of the shield which will be for the most improved player of the season each year.

RIP Jamie from all your friends at the SDSA.