Lee Collins’ partner speaks out on ‘devastating’ death of Yeovil Town player

Lee Collins’ partner Rachel speaks out on the ‘devastating’ death of the much loved Yeovil Town player, and has issued important advice.

He was found dead at Lanes Hotel in West Coker on the 31st of March after failing to report for team training.

Yeovil and the entire football community has been left shocked and saddened by his death and many floral tributes to him have been left at the Glovers’ Huish Park stadium.

To support Lee’s family, alongside children’s mental health charity @YoungMindsUK, #YTFC with the support of his former clubs have launched a @crowdfunderuk campaign. https://t.co/q9ihDMG9wO

— Yeovil Town F.C. (@YTFC) May 26, 2021

I just wanted to say a few words to thank you all, both those here at Yeovil Town F.C. and further afield in the footballing community, on both mine and Lee’s wider family’s behalf.

I’m not too sure on the right words to say, to express how thankful I am and how much your well wishes and kindness mean throughout what has been extremely difficult time. We are, understandably, devastated by the loss of Lee. Every single day is now a lesson, learning to live without him and ways to cope.

I personally visited the floral tributes left at the ground for Lee on a couple of occasions and I read every single card, note, picture and beautiful words written by people for Lee. I am truly touched by everyone’s kindness.

I also wanted to say the deepest, heartfelt thank you to Darren, Terry, and Scott. Their support has been amazing, nothing is ever too much and anything I have needed, Darren has always helped me and my girls out.

Our girls have been extremely strong throughout this whole thing. They undoubtedly miss their dad, as we all do, more than anything. Our new family motto is ‘one day at a time’, which sometimes, to get through every day, is a task in itself. Their courage, resilience and love is something that I am in complete awe of. They give me a reason to smile every day and we remember Lee every single day.

Mental health is so vitally important, and I ask any of you reading this, if you need help or are offered help by those closest to you, because they see you need it when you can’t, please, please reach out. It is OK to not be OK, and there is always someone there for you… Even when you feel like there isn’t.

Lee was your captain, your leader. For us, he was our safe place, our best friend.

We will forever be grateful for your love, kindness, and support. It means more than you will ever know to me and our girls.

Rachel

To donate to our Crowdfunder UK campaign raising money for Lee’s family & Young Minds, click the link HERE. The target is £10,000, of that, £3,000 has been raised.

Yeovil Town F.C. has today launched a Crowdfunder UK campaign to support the family of club captain, Lee Collins, following his tragic passing in March.

More information ⤵ #YTFC 💚

— Yeovil Town F.C. (@YTFC) May 24, 2021

Yeovil Town F.C. has launched a Crowdfunder UK campaign to support the family of club captain, Lee Collins, following his tragic passing in March.

Collaborating with Collins’ former clubs, Yeovil Town F.C. are bringing the football family together across the UK to raise funds for Collins’ partner and young children and mental health charities, with 10% of the donations given to Young Minds.

Described as the ‘glue’ of the club at Yeovil, Collins also wore the captain’s armband at Northampton Town, Mansfield Town and Forest Green Rovers and played for teams across the English Football League (EFL) and National League including Wolverhampton Wanderers, Port Vale, Barnsley and Shrewsbury Town.

Admired by all he played with at Yeovil and beyond, Collins set standards both on and off the pitch and will be remembered for his competitive attitude as well as his kind and caring nature.

Commenting on the campaign, Yeovil Town F.C.’s manager, Darren Sarll, said:

“Uniting the football family under one banner to create something special for the family of one of our own whilst supporting mental health charities in the UK is a huge objective of ours.

“Alongside Lee’s previous clubs and teammates, we have launched a fund to support the future aspirations of Lee’s daughters, Amelia, Laila and Charley-Mae and also raise money for the important work led by mental health charities across the nation.

“Yeovil is a family-centred club and Lee’s wonderful family, who have shown great strength during this extremely difficult time, will always have a home at Huish Park. We’ll celebrating Lee’s life with all the Yeovil supporters during our match against Stockport County on 29 May and appreciate the unbelievable support we have seen over the past few weeks.”

Fans reacted as Lee Collins’ partner speaks out on the ‘devastating’ death of Yeovil Town player Lee Collins…

@MattCrivelli: Such strength, an amazing letter.

@GabSutton: Incredibly brave of Rachel to speak out. Her words will, I hope, help others. Sending love to her and her girls, as well as all connected with Yeovil Town.

@tomleaman_: “Lee was your captain, your leader. For us, he was our safe place, our best friend” 💚

@ytfcwattsy: This caught me unexpectedly. So poignant. 😢 There’s an awful lot going on right now about the club and it’s future. In no way am I saying any of that is irrelevant, but reading this bring a little perspective on life. Our captain. Their safe place, their best friend 💚🧤 #ytfc

@Iwelch22: Such a lovely, well written letter. Rachel is always a pleasure to talk to as are the girls. I’m looking forward to welcoming them all to Huish Park on Saturday. Rest up Skip . 💚 #rip #BeKind #captain #MentalHealthMatters

@Brad_Northcott: Powerful, courageous, emotional.

@DanWilcox11: 💚 “Its okay not to be okay”