A Millwall fan, who set up a walking football team for people with cancer whilst suffering himself, has died aged 77.
Tony Linforth-Hall had been suffering from a terminal blood cancer called Hodgkin-Lymphoma for a couple of years. He died on Friday, July 14.
Despite having an incurable illness, the avid Millwall supporter never let that stop him from helping others.
Before his diagnosis, he was playing walking football – similar to the traditional sort except players aren’t allowed to run. It is typically meant for older people with reduced mobility, but Tony believed it could benefit others too and after being diagnosed with cancer set up his own team.
In an interview a few months ago, he told us he created the team to share what he believed helped to ‘keep him alive.’ His legacy lives on – not only with the team but with the hope he created for people at their darkest hour.
He leaves behind his loving wife, Liberal Democrat Cllr Maria Linforth-Hall, who says she is ‘touched’ by the messages she has received since his passing.
“They call him a warrior and a hero,” she said.
Maria added that they plan to scatter his ashes at the Millwall Football Ground, to honour his love of the club.
The date of the funeral is still to be confirmed.