Tributes paid to Sheffield 'legend' who defied doctors predictions after heart transplant

A huge Sheffield United fan who defied doctors’ expectations to survive 18 years after a heart transplant has sadly died.
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Doug Gomes, described by his family as a ‘Woodseats legend’, was told by medics when he underwent the life-saving surgery at the Northern General Hospital that it might give him another 10-14 years.

But he easily outlasted their predictions and made the most of that precious extra time with his loved ones.

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Doug Gomes, who died aged 63, was a huge Sheffield United fanDoug Gomes, who died aged 63, was a huge Sheffield United fan
Doug Gomes, who died aged 63, was a huge Sheffield United fan
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The popular joiner died on May 30, aged 63, and his funeral took place on Saturday, June 27, with mourners lining the streets to pay their last respects.

His daughter-in-law, Laura Gomes, said: “Doug was a Woodseats legend. He was such a lovely man, who was always making jokes, and the response we’ve had since his death shows how everybody loved him to bits.

“He was an amazing dad, grandad and father-in-law, who lived and breathed for his family, and he was a great friend to so many.

“He was always willing to help and nothing was ever too much to ask.”

Doug Gomes enjoying drink with his son JamesDoug Gomes enjoying drink with his son James
Doug Gomes enjoying drink with his son James

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Doug was born in Halifax but moved to Sheffield as a child and spent most of his life in Woodseats, where he was a hugely popular character, especially at his local pub the Big Tree.

He was a Sheffield United season ticket holder, who attended every game, home and away, until his health began to fail him in the last year, and one of his final requests was for his ashes to be scattered at Bramall Lane.

The father-of-one, who was a doting grandfather to Grace and George, was also a keen angler and enjoyed playing pool.

The cardiac transplant team at the Northern General said it had been a ‘privilege to know him’, with his ‘sense of humour and cheeky smile’ shining through even during the toughest moments.

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Doug’s funeral took place at Hutcliffe Wood Crematorium, with the hearse carrying him past his beloved Bramall Lane one last time before heading through Woodseats, where Laura said people lined the streets to clap as he went past.

A makeshift wake was held outside the Big Tree, where many mourners sported the Blades shirts he had requested at his send-off.