Family and friends of Town fan Matt Newman, who died from a brain tumour last week aged 47, are asking fellow supporters to pay tribute with a minute’s applause when the clock ticks past the 47-minute mark during Saturday’s game against Sheffield Wednesday.

Matt was a Town season ticket holder for 40 years and watched more than 1,200 games home and away with his dad Roger, who took him far and wide to follow Town, including a number of European trips.

He was diagnosed with a brain tumour at the age of just two when he was given days to live by doctors at Great Ormond Street Children’s Hospital.

However, following an operation and intensive radiotherapy, Matt survived but was left with physical disabilities and learning difficulties. Further to this, at the age of 29, he suffered a stroke, which impacted on his health further.

Matt’s friends, Frazer Richardson and Andy Thompson, told TWTD: “Despite these serious health issues Matt remained positive and upbeat and his love and dedication to Ipswich Town was at the heart of his life and he followed the team to more than 80 different grounds.

“He was a mascot in both 1985 and 1986, and in 1988 raised money for Great Ormond Street by playing a charity game in his back garden with Town players Romeo Zondervan, David Lowe and Neil Woods, which was featured in the club programme and on the local TV news.

“He also regularly raised money for Headway, the charity that supports people that have suffered brain injuries, including a sponsored one-mile walk around his beloved Portman Road that he completed without the use of his wheelchair.

“It was through his fundraising efforts and his determination to lead a life of achievement despite his health challenges that he was selected by the club in 2016 as a Community Champion and led the team out in the home game against Brighton – one of his proudest moments (pictured top of page).

“Matt was loved and will be sadly missed by all that knew him. He was Ipswich Town-obsessed and his love and dedication to the club was such a focal point in his life. The club has unfortunately lost one of its most passionate and inspirational supporters.”

Matt’s family have set up a page in his memory here and ask for donations to be made to two charities that supported Matt throughout his life, Headway Essex and St Helena Hospice in Colchester.

Photo: Contributed

Dennyx4 added 11:23 - Mar 13 Rest in peace, Matt. Once a blue, always a blue.
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Pendejo added 12:26 - Mar 13 R.I.P. A real fighter from an early age He was diagnosed with a brain tumour at the age of just two when he was given days to live by doctors at Great Ormond Street Children’s Hospital.
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Gilesy added 12:45 - Mar 13 My goodness, some people have it tough don't they. What a well deserved tribute this will be.
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_clive_baker_ added 12:51 - Mar 13 RIP Matt. My condolences to all his family and friends. What a brave and inspirational bloke he must’ve been to deal with such adversity and come out the other side. Once a blue, always a blue.
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midastouch added 13:46 - Mar 13 Wow, that sure puts things in perspective. I was feeling so gutted at 3pm on Saturday. However, reading something like this makes you realise there's more to life. Also, my friend Gav had his funeral on Monday, he was only 51, life is too short! :-(
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Foreverdon_Blue added 13:54 - Mar 13 I totally agree Midastouch.
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mathiemagic added 14:27 - Mar 13 Wont be at the game but will be watching on TownTV so will certainly join in the minutes applause. RIP
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ScottCandage added 14:44 - Mar 13 Dusty in here
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hammo56 added 16:04 - Mar 13 I first met Matt and his dad in 1999. Often saw him at away games and his enthusiasm in following the Town was unbelievable. A true Town fan. RIP Matt.
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ArnieM added 19:10 - Mar 13 RIP Matt… a true Blue and always will be.
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Stu_boy added 19:31 - Mar 13 RIP matt, I'll be honoured to participate in the minutes applause for such an inspirational part of the town family
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Dissboyitfc added 07:40 - Mar 15 I wont be at the game, just had a minor op, however as i type it put things in perspective! Theres a song by Charlie pride and it contains this line, " when people complain their life is tough, i wonder compared to what?" I never met Matt, but i get the feeling he probably complianed less than most! RIP peace Matt, Top Man! Condolence to Matt's family and friends!
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midastouch added 20:21 - Mar 16 Hutchinson scored on the 48th minute just as the minute of applause came to an end, so fitting! :-)
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