CAMPAIGN: Minute's applause for Millers-mad Eric

A GRANDSON is determined to give his Millers-mad grandfather the send off he deserves after he tragically lost his battle with cancer last week.

Sam Mullins (17) is trying to organise a minute’s applause through social media which would take place in the 81st minute of Friday night’s home fixture against local rivals Sheffield Wednesday — marking the age at which his grandad and hero, Eric Mullins, died.

Eric — a life-long Millers fan — first started watching his beloved home town club after the Second World War and had a season ticket up until last season.

He stopped attending matches around February this year after being diagnosed with lung cancer.

However, he did manage to catch the game against Burnley on TV at the start of the month, which was the last time he saw the Millers play.

Eric’s love for the Millers rubbed off on all his family.

Sam said: “All the family are Rotherham United supporters.

“His dad was, and then my grandad, he passed it down to my uncle and it got passed on to me and all my cousins.

“He was my hero.”

You can back the campaign for a minute's applause by using the hashtag #Eric81 on Twitter.

You can read more about Eric’s life following Rotherham United in Friday’s paper.