It is two weeks ago now when we heard the devastating Kevin Keegan news.
King Kev having died after a battle with stomach cancer.
Now Kevin Keegan’s family have thanked all of the people who have paid tribute to the Newcastle United great.
Kevin Keegan also playing for Scunthorpe, Liverpool, Hamburg SV, Southampton and England during his glorious career. Newcastle United striker had died after a short battle with stomach cancer.
Unlike those other clubs though, Kevin Keegan also a managerial great at St James’ Park, not just a playing one.
KK’s family have now also announced there will be a small private funeral, then later a memorial service to be hosted by Newcastle United.
A statement from the Keegan family, which has been shared by the League Managers Association and reported by ESPN, says: “Following the devastating news of Kevin’s passing, we would like to thank the vast number of people who have expressed condolences and shared their memories of Kevin in recent days. As a family we have been truly overwhelmed by the volume of tributes and are grateful for them all. We will be holding a small private funeral in the coming weeks and request ongoing privacy and respect whilst we navigate this extremely difficult period as a family. Details of a memorial service hosted by Newcastle United that will take place at a later date will be communicated in due course.”
The Keegan family have also requested that in lieu of flowers, the would welcome donations to two charities close to the heart of the two-time Ballon d’Or winner.
They have set up a Go Fund me Page asking for donations to the Christie Charity, which funds enhanced services, pioneering research, education and additional support services for cancer patients and their families. As well as Football Families for Justice, a charity set up by World Cup winner Nobby Stiles’ son John to support former players suffering from neurodegenerative diseases caused by heading the ball.
On behalf of everybody who visits The Mag, we have made a donation to the Go Fund me page. Anybody who would like to make their own personal donation in honour of Kevin Keegan, please see the information below.
Photo by The Mag
That Go Fund me fundraising page organised by the Keegan family stating:
‘The family of Kevin Keegan are raising money for The Christie Charity and Football Families for Justice.
Kevin Keegan gave everything. From humble beginnings, he made the most of every opportunity, ultimately scaling the heights of football as a player, manager and ambassador.
A double Ballon d’Or winner, an England manager, a legend in Newcastle and Liverpool. His career spanned media, business and even the pop charts. There seemed to be no fight that Kevin could not win – until he was diagnosed with stage 4 stomach cancer in June.
Just weeks later, on 20 July, Kevin left the world that he’d lit up with his talent, passion, warmth and generosity, lovingly watched over by his wife Jean, his daughters and grandchildren.
The Keegan family are deeply grateful for all the kind words and support received from far and wide. To honour Kevin’s memory, they feel there would be no more fitting gesture than to give.
We are therefore raising money for two causes that were close to Kevin’s heart: The Christie Charity and Football Families for Justice. The Christie were an immeasurable help to Kevin and his family, as they are to many others. Football Families for Justice is a charity being set-up by John Stiles, son of the great Nobby Stiles, to support former players who are suffering from neuro degenerative diseases caused by heading the ball during their football career.
A sporting superstar, but also a husband, father, grandfather and friend – Kevin gave so much to us all.
Wish you well!
The Keegan Family’
Visit the Go Fund me page HERE for more information and/or to donate.