A DONATION of £5,000 from former Manchester United and England footballer Jesse Lingard has helped push a fundraiser for young Warrington Town player Vini Desouza past £10,000, less than 24 hours after it was launched.
Desouza tragically passed away at the weekend at the age of just 19, as announced by the club on Monday afternoon, when a Just Giving crowdfunding campaign was launched.
Lingard, who attended William Beamont High School, is currently playing in South Korea with FC Seoul but has made a donation to his hometown club’s fundraising effort.
The midfielder earned 32 caps for his country and also played in the Premier League for West Ham and Nottingham Forest.
The crowdfunding campaign, to help support his family with funeral costs, has been awash with tributes to Desouza from scores of former teammates, coaches, opponents and friends.
Josh Brookes wrote: “Vini was a pleasure to coach over the last 2 years, a special player, a good friend and he will be missed greatly. Thoughts are with his family.”
Lewis Lloyd: “Hope you get the best send off, mint footballer but an even better person.”
Lukasz Barbara Estera & Maciej: “Vini, you will always be in our hearts. Gone too soon, you were like family to us. Your kindness, energy and spirit will never be forgotten. Our deepest condolences to your loved ones. Rest in peace
Sue Booth and Rachel Higson: “Rest peacefully, Vini. You were incredibly special. You and your lovely family are in our thoughts and hearts.”
Tony & Amy: “Rest easy Vini, our thoughts go out to all your family at this sad time, thanks for all the great memories and the times we shared on the way to the games and training.”
He was a much-loved member of the club’s youth teams, playing 42 times for the Under 18s and Under 21s since joining the club in 2023.
His team-mates are holding a bucket collection at Warrington Town’s home game against Scarborough Athletic on Tuesday night, having played in tribute to him on Sunday barely hours after they found out about his passing, beating Macclesfield 4-1.
You can still donate to the Just Giving page here.
