The community in Holbeach is rallying around the family of a local footballer who died aged 34 at the weekend.
Adam Jackson was well known particularly for spells with Holbeach United and Spalding United, where he was part of title-winning sides for both.
He’s thought to have taken his own life.
He leaves behind wife Emma, whom he married last summer, and daughters Ennis-Mai (5) and Myla, who turns three today (Thursday).
Emma said: “If anything comes from this then it’s to talk, and see a doctor, don’t be afraid or embarrassed to get help.
“Adam had his whole life ahead of him but in the end his mental health won.”
Friend from primary school Tim Cole has launched a Go Fund me page to raise money for the family.
“I wanted to do something for the family as I know how tough a time it is for Emma, who is a fantastic mum, and the brilliant girls who deserve everything they can get,” he said.
“Adam was the joker of the pack. In any dressing room he was the life and soul of it.
“Adam always knew how to make people laugh and was a real larger than life character.
“He also loved his friends and family and you knew he would do anything for anyone.”
Adam, nicknamed ‘Jacko’, was a regular on the local football scene for a number of years. He enjoyed numerous spells with Holbeach and Spalding United and won the United Counties League with both clubs.
He captained both too and won numerous cups, while also turning out for Bourne Town, Sleaford Town, Wisbech Town, FC Parson Drove, Oakham United and, this season, Skegness Town.
A spokesman for Spalding United said: “Adam played for the Tulips for several seasons and was a team mate and friend to many associated with the club. Our thoughts and love to his amazing family at this very sad time and we are very proud that he chose to wear our shirt.”
Holbeach United posted a statement saying: “The club are devastated to announce the loss of club legend Adam Jackson. Adam played many games for Holbeach, making many friends. Best wishes and love to all his family and friends at this difficult time.”
“He was one those players you’d always want on your team and hate playing against,” Tim continued. “He was great at winding up the opposition, but also a good player at left back or in the midfield.
“It was a bit annoying as a Holbeach fan seeing him playing at a higher level for Spalding but he took to it really well and was always so consistently good.”
His former manager at Holbeach United, Seb Hayes spoke of how Adam had helped teach his son.
“I was close to him in and out of football,” he said. “He was just a great bloke and I’m devastated to lose him.
“He’d always tell it like it is but would also always look to find the positives, and you don’t find many in football like that.
“Adam helped me when I was going through a difficult period and you enjoyed every second in his company.
“He was so well loved, though I don’t think he realised how many people loved him and how much.
“He was such a strong person and a leader, but you don’t know what’s going on in someone’s head.”
Adam’s manager at Spalding Chris Rawlinson made him his captain at the Tulips and his first signing as Skegness manager.
“He could talk for England, and everyone he came into contact with had many good memories of being in his company.
“He was nothing but a good person and my thoughts go out to his young family.”
In a statement, a number of Adam’s close friends, known as the Crazy Gang, said: “You’d hear Adam before you saw him, and were generally greeted with an “Ahoy There” or an “Ay Up”.
“The Adam we all know and love, and want to remember, was full of fun, the biggest character in the room and never short of raising a laugh.
“To say we’ll all miss him is an understatement. As much as we’re all heartbroken, we’re all thankful for the Jacko that we spent so many years with and shared so many truly good times with.”
Tim’s fundraiser is at https://www.gofundme.com/f/adams-send-off
