Tributes paid to 'special' Neo who was 'a ray of sunshine in all our lives'

TRIBUTES have been paid to 'special young man' Neo Bushby following his death.

A  football club full of his friends are planning to honour him with the ultimate memorial.

Neo, who grew up in the Dines Green and St John's area of Worcester, passed away aged just 23 in March.

Now Worcester United Dines Green football club, which many of Neo's closest friends are set to play for, will create a special football kit to remember him.

Neo, who would have turned 24 in May, was described by friends as a 'lovely lad' who 'always had a smile on his face'.

A statement released by his family said: "He was a ray of sunshine in all of our lives.

"Wherever his beautiful soul has been there is a trail of beautiful memories."

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Worcester United have not yet agreed on the kit's final design, but it is going to have Neo's name printed on the back ahead of the upcoming season.

The move has been made with his family's blessing.

The idea for the kit was mentioned by Neo's friend David Hadden, who had previously played for the club.

Lewis Higgs, who went to school with Neo and is now part of the football club, said it was the easiest decision he ever made when he agreed to the special football kit.

Mr Higgs added: "Neo was a lovely lad who always had a smile on his face and would always take time to speak to people.

"Many of Neo’s friends are planning on signing onto the team.

"With Neo growing up and hanging around St John’s and Dines Green we felt it appropriate."

Neo’s brother, Ben Palmer, said the family was extremely happy with the idea and appreciated the effort the club is making to remember Neo and do something in his name.

This Sunday, the club are hosting a charity football match to help Neo's friends build a bench in Neo's memory place on Penhill Crescent.

The match will take place at 10.30am on Sunday, July 7 at Oldbury Road, with every player taking part asked to donate £5 towards the cause.

Mr Higgs added: "We are a football team that thrives off the community and helping others.

"The family loved the idea and when the plan was announced we had a load of his family and friends share and comment showing their gratitude for the gesture."

An inquest into Neo's death is due to take place next year.