George Melling, a former Kendal Town footballer, has died from motor neurone disease at the age of 37.
A popular figure around the non-league scene, Melling had been diagnosed with MND in January last year.
Current Kendal chairman Michael O’Neill said: “George was playing for Kendal when I was previously involved with the club at the time that :Lee Ashcroft was manager.
“He was a strong performer mainly in defence but he also played in centre mid-field and occasionally up-front.
“A great competitor and a strong figure in the dressing room he captained the side on a number of occasions.
“Our thoughts are with George’s wife Nicci and their children, at this time. We will be holding a minute’s applause at our home game on Saturday and are organising a collection for the family.”
When George was diagnosed with the disease he and Nicci brought forward their planned wedding, set for 2023, to last summer. He had been working with an engineering firm.
During his career he played for Blackpool, Morecambe, Altrincham, Colne, Clitheroe, Leyland, Kendal and Longridge. He skippered Longridge to promotion to the North West Counties League before the disease was confirmed.
Wife Nicci described him as a fantastic father and the life and soul of the party.
