Tributes flood in after 'Mr Stonham' dies from coronavirus

Tributes have flooded in for the club secretary of Stonham Aspal Football Club, who died from coronavirus.

Eric Cousins – dubbed ‘Mr Stonham’ – died on Sunday, five days after being moved to intensive care at Ipswich Hospital.

Prior to being admitted to the hospital, where he was attached to a ventilator, he spent 15 days battling the deadly virus from within his home in Mickfield.

Following the death of father-of-two, who was in his early 70s, hundreds of users left tributes on the Facebook page of his former club.

In a post, his son Mark said: “He was an amazing dad to me and my sister, a loving husband to our dear mum and an exceptional grandfather to five. He was taken far too early and we will miss him terribly.

“We are experiencing pain and suffering beyond belief as a family right now and, although my dad never got to read your kind messages of support, I know they would have been of comfort to him somehow.

“This virus is here and it kills. My dad was a healthy man without any underlying health concerns. Please follow advice to keep your families safe.

“Love, hug and hold your loved ones when you can; we fight on together and we will beat this terrible virus.

“I shall see you all after this nightmare is over to share a drink, memories and laughter for my dad – a true football gentleman.”

Former club chairman Paul Parker, 71, grew up with Mr Cousins in Stonham, before working alongside him at the club.

He said: “We’re devastated – everybody loved him. I have never heard anybody say a bad word against him.

“He was always busy, doing things for the football club – he’s managed, he’s been secretary, treasurer, groundsman, you name it, he’s done it – he was involved with the club for more than 50 years.

“He was just a top bloke, and he’s going to be sorely missed.”