Tributes pour in for Whittlesford dad-of-three and well known non-league footballer

The death of an ‘inspirational’ father-of-three at the age of just 36 has triggered an ‘overwhelming’ response from many that knew him.

Toby Dawson died at home peacefully in his sleep on Saturday afternoon with his family alongside him after an eight month fight with stomach and gullet cancer that had spread to his lymph nodes.

Most latterly – before his illness forced him to stop playing – he had been player-manager at Kershaw Senior A side Whittlesford United FC, in the village where he lived most of his life.

But he also played for Sawston United, Great Shelford, Ely City, Foxton and Newmarket Town.

Lee Pacey, a former tea mate at Ely City, who first met him when both were students at Sawston Village College, said of Toby: “To play against him was horrendous but in all fairness those that didn’t like him on the pitch grew to love him off the pitch.”

After Toby was diagnosed, a series of fund-raising matches and events were put together, with Lee one of the main organisers, to help Toby and his family – partner Kelly Dunne and children Rhiannon, 18, Archie, 13, and Pippa, two – manage after he had to give up work because of the cancer.

They included a match played at the New Croft last November between a Sawston Veterans XI and a Haverhill Rovers legends team that raised almost £6,000 and took the fund-raising total past £20,000.

The ‘outpouring of love’ shown by so many since Toby’s diagnosis was made public, and its continuance through the fund-raising and now, after his passing, showed ‘the impact he had on so many people’s lives’, said Lee.

A shrine has even been set up on the pitch at Whittlesford United (where he had an association going back many years), with Toby’s number seven shirt at its heart, surrounded by flowers and messages left by well-wishers.

Lee continued: “He was told a few weeks back that there was nothing they could do and sadly from that point on he went downhill.

“It might have been him putting on a brave face but he stayed positive and courageous. Obviously, he was an inspiration.

“It’s been remarkable the response that we’ve had since Toby got diagnosed. The response and generosity of people, not just in a financial way but with their personal time and donations. It’s been unbelievable.

“I know Toby appreciated it and so did his whole family.

“Kelly was very thankful for everything everybody has done and has been overwhelmed with everyone’s response since he passed away.

“He tried to stay positive. I could never imagine being in his situation. I’ve got young kids too.

“The guy was an inspiration and his family should be proud of him.”

Toby’s funeral will take place at Cam Valley Crematorium, in Great Chesterford. It will be for family members only.

Such was his strength of character, Toby organised his own funeral and as part of that the cortege will pass through Whittlesford, stopping at the football club’s ground to allow people to say goodbye there.

Whittlesford Utd paid tribute to Toby on social media, saying: “WUFC are devastated at the loss of Toby Dawson, our heartfelt condolences go out to Toby and all his family.

“There are few club members who are WUFC through and through and Toby is in this few.

“Toby’s number 7 shirt will be retired until the third generation of the Dawson family (Archie) puts on the WUFC shirt.

“Toby Dawson, WUFC player, manager and Legend. RIP our friend.”