Ricky Hartley: Money pours in after death of Sheffield Wednesday fan who popularised WAWAW club motto

Ricky Hartley, who lived in Askern, Doncaster, was a fervent Sheffield Wednesday supporter and was famed among fellow Owls fans for his distinctive rastafarian cap and for asking fans: “We’re all Wednesday aren’t we?”

The slogan – often abbreviated to WAWAW – has become the calling card and slogan of supporters of the Sheffield club – and Ricky, who followed his team all over the country, is credited with starting and popularising the chant.

His death last week prompted an outpouring of tributes from Wednesday fans.

Now his devastated daughter Amelia has set up a fundraising campaign, with the aim of raising £7,000 to pay for the cost of his funeral, with cash already pouring in.

You can donate to the appeal HERE

In an emotional tribute she said: “My darling papa, there isn’t any words to describe how much I'm going to miss you.

"It’s broke my heart I'm just so proud that you were my dad – someone who loved me unconditionally no matter what.

"You was a legend and loved by so many – there’s only one Richard Hartley WAWAW.”

She added: “We are overwhelmed with the hundreds of messages about my dad – he was a legend and Sheffield Wednesday was the love of his life.

"We want to give him the send off he deserves – as a family we are asking for donations for his funeral and wake.”

Following his death, one fan wrote on X, formerly Twitter: “Rest in peace Ricky. The original who started WAWAW.”

Another posted: “Sad news today RIP Rasta Ricky – what a bloke.”

Another friend wrote: “RIP Rasta Ricky - absolutely gobsmacked. Another Askern legend gone – you was never short of a story or two. Fly high.”

“Good night, God bless,” shared another, you will be well and truly missed. Ask St Peter at the Pearly Gates if he's Wednesday or what?

Another pal wrote: “Ricky Hartley R.I.P. A wonderful bloke, your passion for Sheffield Wednesday was known with us all, but still a Donny man who we all had time for any day come rain or shine.

“Missing you already pal. fly high big man.”