MULTIPLE fundraisers are taking place in honour of former Liversedge assistant manager and coach Simon Emery after his tragic death last month at the age of just 46.

Sedge fans Jimmy Dean and Ryan Ferry intend to set off on New Year's Day and walk the 60 mile (17 hour) journey through the night to get to Bottesford Town in time for Liversedge's Northern Counties East League Premier Division game there on January 2.

Explaining why he and Ferry were intending to complete this feat, Dean wrote on GoFundMe: "On November 27, Simon Emery suddenly lost his life, leaving behind his wife Jeanette and two children.

"Simon and Jeanette have both been volunteers at Liversedge for many years and like many of us, have felt the financial strain of 2020 due to spending many months on furlough.

"The club, along with many of the wonderful people up there, are close to my heart.

"So, as a fitting challenge, myself and my friend Ryan Ferry intend to set off on New Year's Day evening and walk the 60 mile (17hr) journey through the night to get to Bottesford Town for Liversedge's game there on January 2.

"Anyone who knows us will be aware that we're far from the fittest lads and will no doubt be nursing sore heads from New Year's Eve when we set off.

"Any donations will be greatly appreciated to help take the financial pressure off Christmas and into the New Year for the family at this difficult time. Thank you."

That fundraiser had raised £1,320 at the time of writing, and you can donate here: https://www.gofundme.com/f/in-memory-of-emery

Meanwhile, another fundraiser has been set up by Olivia Paragreen, who said on her GoFundMe page: "This go fund me has been started to try and raise money for the family of Simon, who unexpectedly passed away on November 27, 2020.

"The money will be used towards the cost of the funeral and also to support the family while they are out of work and grieving for their loss.

"The family would like to thank everyone who has sent messages, flowers, cards and who have donated to this page.

"The amount of support and kind words have been comforting to hear from all of the people who knew and loved Simon.

"It has been overwhelming receiving messages from hundreds of people who were sad to hear about Simon's passing and lovely to know how many people’s lives he had impacted on; whether this was through his work as a mechanic or through his love for football.

"The family again would like to thank everyone for their ongoing support and kind words."

That one had raised £475 at the time of writing and you can donate here: https://www.gofundme.com/f/raising-money-for-the-family-of-simon-emery

Finally, Sedge had encouraged other NCEL teams to donate their own club shirts with "EMERY2" on the back, and fellow Bradford District side Thackley have just delivered theirs to Clayborn.

Emery's funeral will take place tomorrow, but is unfortunately behind closed doors due to current Covid-19 restrictions.