Tributes have been paid to ex-Morecambe and Lancaster City footballer George Melling, who has lost his battle with Motor Neurone Disease, aged 37.
Central defender George had a distinguished playing career, including spells with both the Shrimps and the Dolly Blues, as well as at clubs including Blackpool, Altrincham, Northwich Victoria, Leyland Town, Kendal Town, Clitheroe and Colne FC.
He was diagnosed with MND in January 2021 and passed away earlier today.
A GoFundMe page set up last year to ‘Help Big G Fight MND’, raised more than £12,300.
https://www.gofundme.com/f/helping-big-g-aka-george-melling-fight-mnd
Since the news broke of George’s passing, tributes have flooded in from across the footballing world and beyond.
Paying tribute, George’s wife, Nicci, said: ‘’Heaven gained the best angel early hours this morning and we were all by his side right to the very end.
‘’Everyone is so very proud of the horrendous battle that you tried so hard to fight.
‘’MND is not the definition of George Melling, it was just the cruel, cruel disease that took him away from us.
‘’He was a fantastic father, a terrible dancer, the life and soul of the party and I’m so very proud to call him my husband.
‘’Once met never forgotten!!! When he walked in a room you knew about it!! You couldn’t help but love him. The twinkle in his eye and that cheeky wink, his presence was infectious.
‘’You really will leave a massive hole in everybody’s hearts
‘’I’m now going to repeat one on the cheesiest things that you once said to me, and I actually mean it….
“I miss you so much, even when I blink my eyes, I miss you.’’


New drumming festival to be held in Morecambe
New four-day Lancaster Fringe Festival announced
Former Lancaster antiques centre revamp gets go-ahead
Controversial new housing plans near Lancaster given thumbs up
LISTEN: Plans revealed for 'permanent seasonal' Lancaster On Ice
Morecambe woman charged with murder following death of eight-week-old baby
Rescue after person stuck in mud in Lancaster
Hundreds expected at Eden Project Morecambe 'breaking ground ceremony'
Morecambe children's nursery announces plans to close during extreme heat
Lancaster MP responds to Sir Keir Starmer's resignation as Prime Minister
Carnforth High School praised as a "caring community" in Ofsted report
Body of man found in Lancaster park
LISTEN and PHOTOS: Armed Forces weekend will return after massive crowds enjoy biggest ever event
Morecambe MP says Sir Keir Starmer "has made right decision" as Prime Minister resigns
Limited edition artwork will raise vital funds for Lancaster community group
Green Heritage Plaque marks first home of Lancaster University
New home revealed for £20m Morecambe West End regeneration scheme
Wooden nests take flight in Lancaster and Morecambe to stop decline of endangered birds
Veterans salute as Armed Forces Day flag raised at start of celebration weekend in Morecambe
Vandals cause delays to aqueduct sinkhole repairs in Lancaster

