Sheffield Wednesday star’s heartwarming gesture for tragic fan

Paul Carder, who was a huge Owls supporter, died last month aged 63 after getting into difficulties while swimming in the sea off Costa Rica, where he was on a cruise with his wife.

The popular businessman, who grew up in Woodthorpe, founded Don Valley Windows and was also a stalwart of grassroots football, and the tragedy prompted many heartfelt tributes from friends and both Wednesday and Sheffield United fans.

Owls keeper Keiren Westwood was so moved he has joined those paying their respects.

The stopper donated a signed shirt to Paul's family with the number one and the words ‘RIP Paul’ on the back, along with the message ‘you and your family are forever in my prayers’.

Sharing a photo of the shirt, Paul’s son Lewis, who now runs the family business, said: “What a gentleman he is…. I can’t thank him enough and my dad would have been honoured.”

A celebration of Paul’s life will take place at St Alban’s Church, in Wickersley, Rotherham, S66 1ES on Thursday, March 5, at 2pm.

It will be followed by a short service at Rotherham Crematorium at 3.30pm and a wake at Phoenix Sports & Social Club in Brinsworth, Rotherham, S60 5PA.

Paul’s loved ones say it will be family flowers only and any donations on the day will go to SADS (Sudden Arrhythmic Death Syndrome) UK and the Thomas Bothamley Defibrillator Fund.