Everyone at Tranmere Rovers Football Club is deeply saddened to hear of the passing of young supporter Shaun Purden. (Pictured above, right).
Our thoughts and condolences are with his family and friends at this incredibly difficult time.
Shaun first attended Prenton Park when he was aged just two and has been a loyal part of the SWA ever since. He would go to the game with his Dad and step brother every week.
In October, Shaun was our special mascot for the day against Shrewsbury Town where he met the whole squad and walked out of the tunnel with Liam Ridehalgh.
Devastatingly, just one month later, Shaun suffered a second cardiac arrest in two years and was admitted to Alder Hey Hospital. After a long and brave fight, Shaun sadly passed away on Saturday 12th April, aged 12 years old.
Shaun’s family has described him as an “Amazingly strong, beautiful and happy boy who has touched so many hearts and inspired so many people”
Liam Ridehalgh had a personal tribute to Shaun, having walked him onto the pitch when he was mascot.
“Having met Shaun in October, I can only say how much of a polite and inspirational young boy he was. All of the team are deeply saddened by the loss of Shaun and we offer our condolences to his family and friends.
It was an honour to meet Shaun and walk out of the Prenton Park tunnel with him. May he rest in peace.”
Shaun’s funeral will take place on Friday afternoon after he makes one final visit to Prenton Park.
His family and friends will be placing blue hearts along Shaun’s journey to the ground and we will be placing our own blue heart on the Johnny King statue in remembrance.
Shaun will be terribly missed at Prenton Park. He will forever be in our hearts.
Gone far too soon, may he rest in peace.