Sheffield Wednesday fans plan tribute to Tom Bothamley

FOOTBALL supporters are being encouraged to join a minute’s applause at tonight’s friendly match between Sheffield Wednesday and Benfica in tribute to a talented teenage footballer who died suddenly.

Tom Bothamley (13), of Flanderwell, died at home while watching music videos on his laptop on Friday, July 8.

He died from so-called long QT syndrome — a heart condition which causes an irregular heartbeat.

The youngster, who played for Wickersley Youth Junior FC, was a huge Wednesday fan and became the Owls’ youngest club member when granddad Paul Carder registered him on the day he was born.

The club’s supporters are planning the tribute during the 13th minute of the game — and Tom’s family and team-mates will also be at Hillsborough for the match.

Grandad Paul (54) said: “Tom was a massive Wednesday fan. He was a season ticket holder and he loved playing the sport, too.

“His dream was to be a footballer and everyone said his dad could have made it but Tom was just the same.”

Tom’s death was the third tragedy to hit his mum Keira Hayden.

His father Ryan died of sudden adult death syndrome aged 15 in February 2002, while Keira was pregnant with Tom.

Her 23-month-old son Joshua Donnelly passed away on Christmas Day in 2007.

Keira (29), of Willow Drive, said: “We’re all just absolutely devastated. It’s just like déjà vu.

“Tom was very caring and loving and I’ve had a lot of comments from other parents saying Tom helped their children or stuck up for them at school, which is really nice to hear.”

Tom’s funeral will take place on Thursday, July 28. The procession will leave the family home at 11.30am and there will be a service at St Alban’s Church, Wickersley, from noon.

His ashes will be buried with his dad Ryan’s at a service at Rotherham Crematorium at 1.30pm.

The public are welcome to attend and are asked to wear Sheffield Wednesday’s blue and white.