THE partner of a well-loved Bradford district Leeds United supporter has paid a touching tribute to him.

Richard Broadley, of Cullingworth, died of a suspected cardiac arrest at the age of 43 on Monday, July 31.

Richard was a huge Leeds United fan and held a season ticket at Elland Road for many years.

He was well-known in the Cullingworth and Denholme areas of the Bradford district - where he had lived for all of his life.

Serena Newby, his partner of four-and-a-half years said Richard always put others before himself.

She also highlighted how important a role football played in his life and what he meant to the community.

Serena told the Telegraph & Argus: "He was so well known.

"He was the live and soul. Everywhere he went, he made people smile and laugh.

"He always made everybody else feel good about themselves.

"He loved football and supported Leeds United since being a kid.

"He also played for teams in Denholme.

"Football was his life, he absolutely loved Leeds United.

"Everyone knew him in Denholme and Cullingworth. Even the Cullingworth Co-op are doing a tribute for him.

"He was just so well loved by everybody."

His sudden passing has come as a big shock to everyone in the area where he lived. 

Serena added: "He had a fall then went into cardiac arrest.

"It was a huge shock for the whole community. It has affected a lot of people really badly.

"He was only 43. It is so young."

Serena is expecting a large turnout for Richard's funeral which is planned for the last week of August.

As part of the procession, down Cullingworth high street, people will be holding Leeds United flags, and the club's anthem 'Marching On Together' will also be played.

"It is going to be massive," she said.

"It is looking as if he will have around 500/600 people at his funeral. People are keen to pay their respects.

"He was brought up in Cullingworth then lived in Denholme. He moved back to Cullingworth with me.

"The horse and carriage will be going down Cullingworth high street and then everybody will be walking behind it.

"He was a massive Leeds United fan so we are going to have 'Marching On Together' on with people walking down with flags.

"I will be taking his funeral flowers to Elland Road afterwards."