A Manchester City fan hailed for being a ‘devoted dad’ has died after he travelled to Benidorm to watch his team play against Spanish team Villarreal in the Champions League, the club has announced.
Guy Bradshaw, 35, a father-of-one cleaning company owner from Wythenshawe, had travelled to Benidorm with friends before Tuesday night’s game further north up the Spanish coast.
According to Manchester Evening News, Bradshaw was found dead in bed by a friend at the apartment he was staying at early on Tuesday morning.
Bradshaw posted a video to social media hours before his death, in which he sang ‘there’s only one Ricky Hatton’ alongside the late boxing legend’s son Campbell.
In an inquest at Stockport Coroner’s Court earlier this month, it was revealed that Hatton, who died aged 46 on September 14, was found hanged.
Bradshaw’s cousin Jess, 26, told the newspaper that the family were informed there are ‘no suspicious circumstances’ related to his death, although the cause has not yet been revealed.
Guy Bradshaw had travelled to Benidorm with friends to watch Man City on Tuesday night
Bradshaw posted a video to social media hours before his death, in which he sang ‘there’s only one Ricky Hatton ‘ alongside the late boxing legend’s son Campbell (left)
She also revealed that his father Martin, 56, was due to fly out to join him for the Champions League match, which Manchester City won 2-0.
‘It’s just so tragic that he ended up going to identify his body instead,’ Jess told the outlet.
‘He was so well-known in Wythenshawe, and by City fans. He was really gentle, kind and caring. He was never in any trouble. He never had any enemies. He lived for City and his young daughter. He idolised her.’
Manchester City announced the sad news in a statement on Wednesday, which read: ‘We are deeply saddened by the passing of Guy Bradshaw, a City supporter who tragically died in Spain before the Club’s match against Villarreal last night.
‘Everyone at the Club sends their condolences to his family, friends, and fellow fans during this difficult time. Once a Blue, Always a Blue.’
A friend who listed his name as Pete also posted on X: ‘RIP to the biggest blue there ever was! Guy Bradshaw. Followed the club over land and sea all his life and through the lower divisions when we were younger.
‘Absolutely gutted for his family and especially his young daughter. Rest in peace mate.’
A fundraiser in memory of Bradshaw has since been set up by loved-ones, with over £6,000 already raised towards a target of £15,000 at the time of writing.
A description on the GoFundMe page, organised by Eddie Williamson, read: ‘In Loving Memory of Guy Bradshaw. We are heartbroken to share the devastating news that Guy Bradshaw, our much-loved Son, Brother, Dad, friend, and true Wythenshawe legend, sadly passed away suddenly whilst in Benidorm.
‘Guy had travelled to Benidorm with his close friends to do what he loved most — watch his beloved Manchester City and enjoy some time surrounded by laughter, football, and friendship. No one could have imagined that this would end in such tragedy.
‘Guy was the life and soul of every room — a big character with an even bigger heart. He was loved by so many across Wythenshawe and beyond. His quick wit, warm smile, and kind nature touched everyone who had the pleasure of knowing him.
‘But above all, Guy was a devoted dad. His beautiful daughter Ava was his absolute world. He spoke about her with so much pride and love, and their bond was something truly special.
‘This GoFundMe has been set up to help support Guy’s family during this incredibly difficult time — to assist with bringing him home, cover funeral costs, and to ensure Ava is supported in the days and weeks ahead. Every donation, no matter how small, will make a huge difference.
‘Let’s come together for Guy, lets give him the send-off he deserves and to show his family just how many lives he touched. Rest easy, Guy. You’ll never be forgotten. Forever a Blue, forever in our hearts.’
More to follow.
