Many tributes to Mr Wayne Jones have been made following his sad passing during our Play-Off Semi-Final second leg tie at home to Leicester last week.
And along with the kind words of sympathy and support to his family, we were also contacted last week with a gesture to put things truly into perspective, especially considering the often publicised rivalries between fans within the beautiful game.
Mr Richard Walker, a life-long Nottingham Forest fan has kindly donated two first class hospitality tickets to Mr. Jones' family, perfectly illustrating the way in which news had travelled last Thursday among the football community. It's an honourable and selfless act that the club has replicated as we will now welcome four members of Mr Jones' family as honoured guests on Saturday at Wembley.
Mr Walker said: "I'd like to pass on my sincere condolences to the family of Mr Jones, who of course was unknown to me, but who's passing at what should have been a time of huge celebration was extremely sad.
"As my tickets for Wembley were rendered useless when Nottingham Forest lost last Tuesday I was of course struggling all day Wednesday to think what to do with the tickets. I watched the Cardiff and Leicester second leg that night and then on Thursday morning realised what had happened. I thought this might help make a difference to Mr Jones family. It's nice to give something and I hope despite the tragic circumstances, they can enjoy the day, perhaps in Mr Jones honour."
Barrie McAuliffe of Cardiff City said: "We are genuinely honoured by the selfless act of Mr Walker, who has turned his personal disappointment to a positive community act. It really does show that in the event of a tragedy, the wider football family really does come together. We would like to thank Mr Jones for his kind gesture."
The club have also acted further in order to honour Mr Jones by inviting his nephew James Phillips to lead the team out at Wembley on Saturday.
Wayne, who was 53 and from Ebbw Vale, had been a Cardiff City supporter since the age of 14 before passing away suddenly on Wednesday 12th May during the Championship play-off semi-final.
His mother, Margaret, and family would like to thank the doctor who tried to help Wayne at the match. They would also like to express their thanks to Cardiff City Stadium manager Wayne Nash and incoming Chairman Dato Chan Tien Ghee, who telephoned Wayne's family from Malaysia to offer his condolences. They would also like to note their appreciation for all the lovely messages on Facebook and the Cardiff City message board, as well as the support they have received from friends.
They now hope the Bluebirds can do it at Wembley on Saturday for a lovely man and a massive Cardiff City fan who will never be forgotten.
Upon learning the news, Peter Ridsdale said: "On behalf of the club I would like to offer my sympathies to the family of Wayne Jones. He is in our thoughts at this difficult time."
Dato' Chan Tien Ghee said: "I am saddened to learn of the demise of Wayne Jones. My heart goes out to the family of Wayne. Please accept my heartfelt condolences and sympathies."
Steve Borley added: "I am deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Wayne Jones, a fellow 'City fan at last night's, play-off semi final. I wish to pass on my sincere condolences and sympathy to Mr Jones family and friends. He will surely be missed but not forgotten."
