Family pays tribute to Wellingborough dad after fatal cardiac arrest during Northampton football match

'We miss him more than words could ever say'
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The family of a Wellingborough father, who has died after suffering a cardiac arrest during a football game in Northampton, has paid tribute to the 'incredible' man.

Roger Izzard was surrounded by his loved ones when his life support machine was switched off at Northampton General Hospital on Thursday (October 22).

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The 39-year-old dad-of-two had been in an induced coma since collapsing during a Man v Fat Football match at Goals on Mereway two days earlier.

Roger Izzard had a great sense of humour, his family saidRoger Izzard had a great sense of humour, his family said
Roger Izzard had a great sense of humour, his family said

More than £6,600 has been raised so far for his wife Becky and two young children, Bethany and Archie, on a JustGiving page set up by his teammates and a memorial fixture has been arranged for tomorrow (Tuesday).

Becky described her husband's death as 'devastatingly heartbreaking', adding: "I am truly blown away by all the support and can't thank you enough.

"Rog was an incredible husband, my best friend, my rock and our children's amazing daddy and we miss him more than words could ever say."

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Roger grew up in Tottenham with his brother Richard, father Chris and mother Margaret.

Roger Izzard with his wife Becky and two children, Bethany and ArchieRoger Izzard with his wife Becky and two children, Bethany and Archie
Roger Izzard with his wife Becky and two children, Bethany and Archie

Chris said his son was always quiet and not sure of himself as a child but he spoke when he had something to say and it was always best to listen.

At school, he was always the boy that was asked to help new kids usually very successfully, according to his dad.

"I remember one day Roger was crying to his Mum saying he was ugly and fat and nobody would want him as a boyfriend," he said.

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"Roger was very wrong. Becky became his girlfriend and then his wife making a great team.

Roger Izzard was a big Tottenham Hotspur FC fanRoger Izzard was a big Tottenham Hotspur FC fan
Roger Izzard was a big Tottenham Hotspur FC fan

"This great Izzard team produced replicas in Bethany and Archie with all the best bits from their mum and dad."

As a family, they bought a pub in Newgate Street in Hertfordshire where Roger was the manager, keeping the peace with his beloved Bullmastiff, Sherru.

For the last 13 months, he worked with his dad in telecommunications consulting, which was curtailed by coronavirus stopping all travel.

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Chris said: "As Roger's mum and dad, we are so proud of what he achieved in his 39 years.

Roger Izzard with his beloved Bullmastiff, SherruRoger Izzard with his beloved Bullmastiff, Sherru
Roger Izzard with his beloved Bullmastiff, Sherru

"Roger was never rich money-wise but his family made him a multimillionaire.

"These memories and a zillion more will never really make it easier to accept this loss but we are so proud and love him and his family so much.

"Roger was worried about friends as a young boy but the response from his Man v Fat mates, school mates, workmates, the pub and others is bloody amazing.

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"He was a great husband, father, brother, son and a good friend to so many people."

Roger's Man v Fat teammates have organised an 11-a-side football game vs Man V Fat Stoke at Moulton College to pay their respects and continue fundraising.

To donate to the JustGiving page, visit justgiving.com/crowdfunding/roger-izzard.