TRIBUTES have been paid to 21 year-old Keiren Edney from Melksham who died suddenly last week from suspected meningitis.
News of Keiren’s death has shocked the Melksham community, including Melksham Oak School where he was a former pupil and worked as a teaching assistant.
Headteacher, Stephen Clark said, “Our whole school community is devastated by the loss of a hugely popular ex-student and colleague. He was a young man with many wonderful qualities and a big future ahead of him at Melksham Oak Community School.
“Keiren was able to support and develop the abilities of many young people due to his warmth, compassion and humour. These were attributes that he also brought to bear in his position as a local football coach, having led an U16 team for six years. He will be sorely missed by us all and our sympathy and thoughts are with his family and friends.”
Melksham Town Football Club where Keiren was the U16 coach also released a statement saying, “It is with a mixture of utter disbelief and profound sadness that the club has learnt of the untimely death of U16 coach Keiren Edney known to many as Ned, at the tender age of 21.
“Ned played for Melksham Park before taking up a coaching role at the age of 16 and has managed and coached the Melksham Town’s U16 Tornadoes for the last few seasons.
“A glance at many, many tributes on social media will confirm he was respected, admired and loved by so many and will be badly missed. Thoughts and prayers go out to his family and friends from all at the club in this difficult time.
“As a mark of respect, all Melksham Town teams are marking their games at the weekend with a minute’s silence.”
Keiren was also a coach at the Charlie Austin Football School who expressed their shock and sadness on Facebook saying, “Ned will always be remembered as one of the nicest guys to ever be a part of the Charlie Austin Football School and Inclusion family. You will never be forgotten big man.”
Southampton striker Charlie Austin tweeted, “So sad to hear of the unexpected passing of @CA9Football coach Ned Edney, condolences to his family #oneofthegoodguys”
Keiren’s mum Louise Edney said, “We are absolutely devastated. We are so proud of our amazing son and he will be greatly missed. We are overwhelmed with the messages of support and thank everyone for their kind words at such a difficult time.”
An online fundraising page has been set up in memory of Keiren for the Royal United Hospital charitable fund and has already raised £400.
Along with donations, messages have also been left. Julie Norris wrote, “I was so sorry to hear of Ned’s passing. The Edney family are well known and respected locally and I know I’m not alone in saying that the whole town of Melksham is thinking of you all at this difficult time.”
To donate, visit www.funeralzone.co.uk/obituaries/21769
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