Donation page set up to support family of footballer, 40, who died while playing match

A donation page has been set up to support the family of a footballer, 40, who died while playing a match in the North East of England.

A £20,000 appeal has been launched to help the heartbroken members of Darren Scott who died whilst in action at the weekend.

He turned out for the Cobblers Hall FC over-40s team from Newton Aycliffe, County Durham, against South Shields Catholic Club on Saturday when he suddenly collapsed.

The North East Ambulance Service and Great North Air Ambulance were called to the scene at Cleadon Park, however despite the desperate attempts of medics to revive Darren he was pronounced dead at the scene.

His mate and club secretary, Mark Preston, was at the match as the tragedy happened, saying: “He came off after 20 minutes with a suspected hamstring injury. About six or seven minutes into the second half I turned and saw he was lying down on the ground.

“They got there really quickly after about 10 minutes. Everybody did their best – the ambulance crews, the two teams – with all their efforts.

“One of the ambulance staff said to me what we did had given them a chance to save Daz but it wasn’t to be this time.”

“It was obvious something was wrong and he needed medical attention and we called for an ambulance.

“Two of the team are first aiders and they carried out CPR before the ambulance crews arrived.

“They got there really quickly after about 10 minutes. Everybody did their best – the ambulance crews, the two teams – with all their efforts.

“One of the ambulance staff said to me what we did had given them a chance to save Daz but it wasn’t to be this time.”

He leaves behind his wife Donna, who he got married to in October 2021 and had just bought their ‘forever’ home with, and his children Declan, 17, Noah, 15 and Layna, 9.

Mark said: “The whole family has been left devastated but they are trying to stay strong and support each other. I don’t think it’s hit home yet.

“We all need to stay strong as it’s what dad would have wanted. We all love you dad,” he wrote.

Mark said Darren was a loyal Newcastle supporter who followed the team around Europe before he started a family and loved playing football.

“He dedicated much of his time coaching Newton Aycliffe Youth Eagles Under 15s, supporting his children in following their dreams.

“Declan and Noah are both exceptionally skilled and accomplished players – he was so proud of them both.

“His daughter, Layna runs for Newton Aycliffe and has just been chosen to run in the regional team – something Daz was buzzing about. She will be running competitively in March.”

Alongside the tributes, a JustGiving fundraising page has been set up to support Darren’s family by Mark with a £20,000 target and already over £17,000 has been raised.

The JustGiving page read: “Darren Scott (Daz, Scotty) 40 years old

“Died suddenly and unexpectedly, Saturday 12th Feb 2022, during an over 40s football game Cobblers Hall Vs South Shields Catholic Club. All those who were at the scene courageously battled to save him, team mates, medical staff, the emergency services and the Great North Air Ambulance.

“Family, friends and the football community have been left shocked and devastated by his sudden and tragic death. He leaves behind a family, to whom he was devoted.

“His wife Donna, whom he idolised and married in October 2021, his children: Declan (17), Noah (15) and Layna (9). He loved football, whether playing it, coaching Newton Aycliffe Youth, or supporting his beloved Newcastle United.

“At this most devastating time, we would like to raise some money to help his family with funeral costs and to support his young children in trust funds for their future- Darren and Donna have recently purchased their family forever home.

“An amazing man. Darren was a loyal friend and husband, devoted father, supportive coach , a genuinely great man who gave so much to so many. We would like to give his family what he now cannot. He will be hugely missed by all who knew him.

“Football played an important part in Darren’s life. He dedicated much of his time coaching Newton Aycliffe Youth Eagles Under 15s; supporting his children in following their dreams Declan and Noah are both exceptionally skilled and accomplished players- he was so proud of them both. His daughter, Layna runs for Newton Aycliffe and has just been chosen to run in the regional team something Daz was “Buzzin” about. She will be running competitively in March.

“Darren would be the first to help others, now his family need our help and support to get through this most difficult time. Please help us to support them by making a donation at the just giving page. Alternatively Cobblers Hall pub have kindly agreed to accept cash donations . Please give generously.”

His wife wrote via Facebook: “The funeral for Darren Scott will be held on Friday 4th March 2022 at 12.30pm at Wear Valley Crematorium, Coundon By Pass, Coundon Road, Bishop Auckland, Co Durham, DL14 8NR.

“This will be followed by a wake at The Big Club in Newton Aycliffe.Family flowers only please. There will be donation buckets at the Crematorium and at the Club to help raise funds for defibrillators for local football clubs.

“It would be amazing if we could see a wave of Newcastle shirts for his send off. We plan to organise for a live stream of the funeral to be shown in The Big Club for anyone that cannot get to the Crematorium.

“Please feel free to share this so I can make sure everyone who knows and loves Darren has their opportunity to say goodbye.”