Friends and relatives of Sheffield dad Ricky Collins raise thousands at charity football tournament

Friends and relatives of a Sheffield man stabbed to death last month raised thousands of pounds in his memory at a charity football tournament.

Ricky Collins, aged 31, of Park Grange Road, Norfolk Park, died after a knife attack on Westthorpe Road, Killamarsh.

He was found critically injured after police officers were deployed to reports of a disturbance at a house in the street.

Despite efforts to save the dad-of-three, he lost his fight for life and was pronounced dead at the Northern General Hospital in Sheffield a short time later in the early hours of Tuesday, March 30.

As a show of support for his family and a demonstration of how loved Ricky was, dozens of friends and relatives took part in a charity football tournament last weekend.

Four teams of 15 took part in the event, with each player paying to take part.

Money was also raised through a raffle and bouncy castle, with a total of £4,330 collected in total for Ricky’s family on the day.

Another £2,800 has been donated through an online fundraising appeal set up to help pay for Ricky’s unexpected funeral costs following his shock death.

Chelsea Sykes, who helped organise the football tournament with Amy Sykes and Danielle Maughan, said: “Sheffield came together for Ricky that day.

“Knowing Ricky has left his his three little children behind is just heartbreaking. He really was the big friendly giant of Sheffield. The love he showed to his kids was obvious to everyone, he adored them.

“He will be sadly missed, it just doesn’t seem real that he’s gone.”

The event was held at Skye Edge Field in Sheffield on Sunday.

Stevie Fallon, who set up the online fundraising appeal for Ricky’s funeral, described him as a ‘loving son, dad and partner’.

Seven arrests have been made in connection with Ricky’s death.

Bradley Ward, 24, from Frecheville, has been charged with his murder and two men, aged 43 and 44, have been charged with assisting an offender.

Two women, aged 70 and 29, a 16-year-old boy and 15-year-old girl, were also quizzed over the murder.

LATEST: Sheffield street sealed off by police after reports of overnight shooting

CRIME: Killers on the run: Police search continues after two Sheffield murders in the space of a week

In these confusing and worrying times, local journalism is more vital than ever. Thanks to everyone who helps us ask the questions that matter by taking out a digital subscription or buying a paper. We stand together. Nancy Fielder, editor.