Michael Newberry: Fundraising page set up to support family of late Cliftonville player
A fundraising page has been set up to support the family of Michael Newberry following his sudden death.
Newberry - who played for Cliftonville and Linfield in the Irish League - died on December 30, on what was his 27th birthday.
His death has sent shockwaves throughout the football community, with both Cliftonville and Linfield paying emotional tributes before their respective Irish Cup matches on Saturday.
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A GoFundMe page was set up by Sharon Hands on Saturday and has raised over £3,000 in the space of 24 hours.
The page reads: "On Monday 30th December 2024, on his 27th birthday, Michael Newberry tragically passed away in Newcastle. Michael was a professional footballer who played as a defender. He began his football career at Newcastle United, joining the academy from the age of 11 and was awarded the Wor Jackie Trophy in 2016, which made his family immensely proud.
"He then went on to play for Iceland with Víkingur Ólafsvík and in Northern Ireland with Linfield and Cliftonville, a much loved player and friend to many. Michael was known for always having a smile on his face, making people laugh and being there for others.
"Understandably, this has come as a huge shock to family and friends and not something anyone was prepared for, or ever imagined.
"Michael leaves behind a loving family, Father Michael, Mother Maureen, siblings Adrian, Kayla and Matthew.
"I have set up this fundraising page with the family's permission to help them pay for funeral costs, and to ease some of the pressure whilst they navigate their grief at this sad time. Any donation, big or small, is massively appreciated and will be welcomed by the family.
READ MORE: Football is secondary as Cliftonville come to terms with Michael Newberry loss says Dean Shiels
"'What a great player. A great human being. The memory of a good boy lives on'.
"Thank you for you reading. Rest in Peace, Michael."
Anyone wishing to donate to the GoFundMe page can do so HERE
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