Tributes pour in for beloved Farnworth dad-of-two Jake Rothwell

Jake Rothwell, 36, is remembered by his two children Theo and Lucia, partner Beccy and close family.

He was known for his “warmth, humour, and social nature”, as well as his love for Bolton Wanderers.

To celebrate his life, best friend Luke Robinson shared a heartfelt appeal, calling on the Bolton Wanderers community to pay tribute.

He said: “My best friend Jake Rothwell died suddenly at the tender age of 36, leaving behind his son, daughter, mother, siblings, partner and countless friends and acquaintances.

“He was very popular in the Farnworth community as he was naturally gifted at social connections.

“It’s a real tough pill to swallow for us all, but there has been an influx of support from so many people and that is very humbling for those closest to him.”

“Almost three years ago to the day of his passing, we went to Wembley together to watch the Whites lift a trophy and had the best day.

“Jake loved the Whites and loved the matches we attended together.”

As a tribute, Luke invited fans to mark the 36th minute of the home game against Stockport County on Monday, April 6, with applause in Jake’s honour.

Bolton Wanderers are scheduled to play County at 3pm today at the Toughsheet Community Stadium.

“This would be a real comforting moment for his family in attendance, who are very much in their raw stages of grief, and what better way to uplift them than community spirit.

“There is absolutely no pressure for anyone to join in, but if you all could find the time for his family in attendance it would mean the world.”

The message drew hundreds of reactions online, including comments from Stockport fans expressing condolences and setting aside sporting rivalries to support the family.

At this afternoon’s match, rapturous applause filled the stadium as fans clapped in the April sunshine in tribute to Jake.

A GoFundMe page, set up by Rebecca Wheeler, has already raised nearly £6,000 to help the family give Jake “the send-off he deserves”.

The family said: “It is with great sadness that we are announcing our Jake passed away unexpectedly and we, his family, are absolutely devastated.

“He has left behind two beautiful children, Theo and Lucia, his partner Beccy, Lyla, his Mum Gaynor, his brother and sister Jordan and Katie, and his niece and nephew Mason and Reya, not to mention countless friends and extended family members.

“As many of you know, he was the life and soul of any room he walked into.

“He loved to laugh and sing and dance and we will be honouring that on the day we say goodbye for the last time.”

A memorial will be held at Lavender Road Cricket Club on Saturday, April 11.

It will begin from 1pm, with a balloon release at 2pm.

Attendees are encouraged to wear blue and white, bring their own balloons, and participate in a Grand National sweepstake and football card games, with all proceeds going to the GoFundMe.

To contribute to the GoFundMe, visit: https://gofund.me/5b2f8d805