Family fundraise for "wonderful brother and son" who had severe disability

A MAN who overcame adversity after being born with a life changing disability has died.

Gwyn Thomas (56), who grew up in East Dene, died on August 2 from a suspected heart attack.

He was diagnosed with neurofibromatosis from birth, a genetic condition that causes tumours along the nerves, which had grown on his face - causing partial blind and facial disfigurements.

Shaun Thomas (53), Gwyn’s brother, fondly remembers him as a kind man who had a great sense of humour.

He said: “Gwyn was such a likeable person who had a tremendous sense of humour.

“It was like everyone in Rotherham knew him. Every time we went to the town centre, someone would spot Gwyn and pull him for a chat and say hello.

“His dry humour always made people laugh and he was just a likeable and loveable person who was taken from us too soon.”

Shaun added that he and his brother often were picked on because of their disabilities, but feels it was something that “drew them together” and made them closer.

“Gwyn got badly picked on at school because of his condition which caused him a lot of distress.

“It made him have issues with the way he looked which was horrible to see.

“I have struggled with a speech impediment all my life and got bullied for it too.

“That made me a lot closer to Gwyn in that respect.

“But he did learn to live with the condition and it made him a much stronger person.”

Shaun added Gwyn’s passing was a “shock” and “unexpected” which has affected the family’s finances.

“We found Gwyn had died in his bed at home near the Prince of Wales pub on Princes Street. 

“It was just a complete shock and we are all still in so much pain over what happened and 56 is no age to pass.

“Our mum, who is 84, could not access a means tested funeral grant from the Department for Work and Pensions because she is not on benefits.

“She lives on a pension and this is the last thing she should have to deal with and why we have asked for help.”

Gwyn’s family are now seeking help from the community to help cover his funeral and to celebrate the life of a wonderful man.

Shaun said: “We want to do something special for Gwyn because he meant so much to so many people — including his family — who loved him.

“With the cost of living impacting everyone at the moment, we don’t have the money to give him the send off he deserves.

“The outpouring of comments and tributes we’ve received from people who knew Gwyn has been astounding.

“We are aiming to raise as much as we can as we have been quoted over £3,000 so we still have some way to go.

“But I’ve been left speechless at people’s generosity and gracious to all the people who have helped us during this difficult moment.” 

Gwyn is strongly remembered as a Rotherham United steward at Millmoor and the Don Valley Stadium.

The club paid tribute to him earlier this month.

“We are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of our former steward and friend, Gwyn Thomas.

“Gwyn is fondly remembered by staff and supporters for his days at both Milmoor and Don Valley.

“Once a Miller, always a Miller.”

You can help Gwyn's family with their fundraiser here.