On Air Now

Breakfast

6:00am - 10:00am

Now Playing

FINNEAS

Lotus Eater

UPDATED: Morecambe FC kit man recovering after being taken ill during match

Morecambe Football Club's much-loved kit man has been taken to hospital after falling ill during the Shrimps' match on Saturday afternoon.

Les Dewhirst was taken ill on the bench during the first-half of Morecambe's League One game at Wigan Athletic on Saturday.

He was taken to Wythenshawe hospital in Manchester, where he’s recovering after surgery.

"We would like to wish our Kit Manager, Les Dewhirst, a speedy recovery after taking ill during the game this afternoon," said a Morecambe FC spokesman in a statement on the club Facebook page.

"Get well soon, Les!"

Morecambe fans and friends of Les have been posting messages of support and well-wishes on social media.

His family thanked everyone for their support, and also thanked the Wigan Athletic medical team for helping Les.

A lifelong Shrimps fan, Les has been the club's kit man since 1995 and helped to run the supporters' club for many years.

In a statement, Les’s wife, Debbie, said: ‘’Les is making a good recovery and if all goes to plan he will be coming home on Tuesday (March 22nd).

‘’He will need a couple of weeks rest and by then we hope for him to be better than ever and ready to continue Kitman Les duties like never before.

‘’He is still a bit sore and most certainly extremely overwhelmed by everyone’s messages and good wishes. Please bear with him and he will respond when he is feeling stronger and able to do so without turning into a blubbering wreck.

We all thank each and every one of you for your kind words and encouragement.’’

More from Local News

Recently Played Songs

Up next on Beyond Radio