Bereaved family make touching donation to Cork charity shop

The family of a late football fan have donated some of his prized possessions to charity in the hope of helping others battling cancer.

The family of Brendan, who was an avid football fan, donated his extensive collection of football jerseys to the Irish Cancer Society shop on Cork’s Castle Street.

Brendan passed away in 2013 after being diagnosed with terminal cancer, but in his final days he still travelled to watch his beloved matches.

Poignantly, some of the jersey donated are still in their original packaging, their late owner never getting the chance to wear them.

His family have written a touching letter which is on display with his jerseys and his photograph in the shop window.

"Brendan was young, vibrant, fun loving and truly a larger than life character, and he had a real passion for all things sport, especially football or ’the beautiful game’ as it is otherwise known these days," they write.

"He travelled to many football matches at home and abroad as he once said: ’I am not just an Arsenal supporter but I am a football supporter’. He was also a collector of football jerseys so he purchased many on his travels.

"Sadly, Brendan became unwell in 2012 with cancer and shortly afterwards he was diagnosed as being terminally ill with only months to live. However, he still insisted on travelling to these matches, which was truly a testament to his passion for both the game and his life.

"He lost his battle with cancer in September 2013. He had all jerseys, many brand new in their original packaging with labels attached that Brendan sadly would never get to wear.

"Brendan was a very charitable person during his short lifetime, supporting many charities, so on his behalf, we as a family donated these football jerseys to the Irish Cancer Society to help raise much-needed funds for others battling the disease and their families.

"We felt that it is only fitting to take what was Brendan’s passion and do something positive with it to help others," they say.

Their emotive letter has already touched the hearts of passers-by, and his jerseys are sure to make a huge difference to the charity.