TRIBUTES have been paid to a football fan who lost his battle with cancer.
Daryl Hopson, a keen Huddersfield Town Association Football Club supporter, tragically passed away on Thursday.
The 31-year-old from Manchester was diagnosed with stomach cancer in September last year after going into hospital for an MRI scan of his back.
Doctors told the popular football fan that the cancer had developed from a gastric ulcer.
Daryl said at the time that his specialist had only seen a handful of people at his age with it in his 40 years in the profession.
He found out in February that the cancer had spread to his liver and started chemotherapy to help put the cancer “to sleep”.
However, the treatment was unable to get rid of the cancer and Daryl passed away last week.
Loved ones have taken to social media over the past week to pay tribute.
Fellow football fan Nath Hosker on Thursday said: “Taken far too young. Absolutely heartbreaking news to hear of your passing Daryl Hopson.
“Will very fondly remember the trips to Germany and Austria for pre-season games under Heir Wagner.
“Hopefully now you are at peace up there and ready to watch Town with all the other Terriers onto potential play off glory and beyond.
“Rest easy pal, forever a Terrier.”
Facebook page Andy’s Man Club Huddersfield said: “After a long and brave battle against cancer, this afternoon one of our own, Daryl Hopson lost his brave battle aged only 31.
“Daryl has been a true inspiration to so many with his bravery and positive attitude always shining through.
“Rest in peace mate, much love from all your AMC brothers.”
Lynda O’Neill said: “Far too young sweetheart. RIP and love to your family.
John Alan Ramsden said: “Heartbreaking to hear this dreadful news. Just want to send love to his family and true friends.
Wendy Lewis said: “So so sad, condolences to all Daryl’s family and friends. RIP.”
Walker Daily said: “Far too young. Condolences to his family.”
Prior to answering questions at his Friday morning press conference, head coach of Huddersfield Town FC Carlos Corberan said: “Before I start to give you the answer to this [first question], I want to send all our condolences to Daryl Hopson’s family and friends because yesterday he passed away and it was sad news for us.”
The club consistently shared messages of support with Daryl during his battle.
Amongst other gestures fans have joined in a minute’s applause on the 31st minute and Corberan has held a shirt reading: “Always with you Daz” to the stadium and TV.
A GoFundMe was set up by fellow Huddersfield fans on Saturday to help cover costs of Daryl’s funeral service.
It reads: “We are fundraising for help towards Daryl’s funeral for his sister Chelsea for expenses to give him the send off he deserves.
“As you all know Daryl was a massive Huddersfield Town fan who unfortunately lost his battle to cancer on 28th April 2022 at 16:05.
“He influenced a lot of people and had a lot of friends so let’s give this brave man the send off he deserves.
“Once a Terrier always a Terrier.”
The fundraiser has so far raised almost £3,000.
