Jack Grealish makes generous donation to fundraiser in memory of expectant father Shawn Francis

Jack Grealish has donated £5000 to a GoFundMe page in memory of expectant father and Aston Villa fan Shawn Francis, 29, who passed away on Saturday (29 April) leaving behind his pregnant partner.

Manchester City star Jack, 27, was a friend of the Villa season ticket holder, who was known for ‘living his life through kindness’.

Shawn, a popular figure in Castle Vale, Birmingham, was tragically found dead on Saturday (April 29). As well as being a committed partner to his other half, Danielle, Shawn was a huge Aston Villa supporter and season ticket holder.

The fundraiser set up by Andrew Inwood has now raised over £20,000. The eventual target for the page is £25,000. Money raised will be used to numb the financial burden faced by Shawn’s pregnant partner, Danielle.

The page reads: “We want to raise funds to support Shawn’s family, to help cover the costs of the funeral and raising a baby, and lower the financial burden after such a devastating tragedy.”

Andrew, who has set up the fundraiser, asks for any donations big or small: “If you can spare anything, big or small, consider making a donation to help support Shawn’s family. Every little bit counts, and your generosity will make a world of difference to a family that is hurting so deeply.”

The former Villa captain’s donation of £5,000 is the biggest donation to the fundraiser. One Twitter user reacted to his generosity, writing: “I’ve been a Grealish hater but spotted he’s paid £5k to this. Class, time to move on.”

A friend of Shawn has asked Aston Villa fans to join her in applauding in the 12th minute of the game in honour of his life. A fellow Villa supporter who was seated near Shawn for two seasons at Villa park replied to the Tweet, writing: “So sad to read this, we sat by Shawn for two seasons at the front of the lower holte. Such a lovely friendly bloke.”

On Saturday (May 6), those wanting to pay tribute to Shawn will visit Castle Vale Stadium at 3pm for a commemorative balloon release. Those attending have been asked to bring claret and blue balloons, the colours of The Villa.

Those who knew Shawn have described him as “a genuinely lovely and well loved lad” as well as “an amazingly beautiful young man”.

If you would like to donate in memory of Shawn to help his partner and baby, please head to the GoFundMe page.