Tributes for Villa fan who raised thousands for charity

Keiran Lavin loved boxing and loved the Villa

Tributes have been paid to a big-hearted Aston Villa fan who raised thousands of pounds for charity.

Keiran Lavin from Birmingham died suddenly on 11 December, aged 44. His wife, Donna, said he was a "dedicated family man who loved the Villa".

A friend from his primary school days said he was "such a nice person, so happy".

Sean Connaughton set up a fundraising page to support Mr Lavin's family which has so far raised more than £16,000.

Mr Lavin had raised between £10,000 and £20,000 for Birmingham St Mary's Hospice, now known as Birmingham Hospice.

He achieved it through a series of charity football matches, which involved the 1982 Aston Villa European Cup winning team and drew crowds of up to 3,000.

His wife said he had been planning another charity event for 2024.

Keiran Lavin raised thousands for a Birmingham hospice

Mr Connaughton and Mr Lavin grew up in Kings Heath and met while they were at St Alban's Primary School.

Later, Mr Lavin went to work on building sites and Mr Connaughton said he built up a large network of friends.

He described Mr Lavin as a "top bloke" and said he set up the online fundraising page to "take the burden away from his wife".

The response had been overwhelming and he said: "The whole of the south of Birmingham community have come together and got a load of money for him."