By Holly McGuinness
The PEGS Football Club community has rallied around the family of club member and Greenvale local Mitchell Williams, following his sudden death on July 2.
The father-of-two, who was heavily involved in the Keilor club, died at age 34. He leaves behind wife Casey and daughters Lila, 3, and Zoe, 1.
Family friend, Taylors Lakes resident Callum Glassford, set up a fundraising page to support Mitch’s family and help with funeral costs. As of Friday, $123,315 had been raised.
A statement on the fundraising page said Mitch touched the lives of so many people.
“Mitch was a school PE teacher and co-ordinator, a football coach – he wore many hats and was well respected around our community. He was committed, positive and an inspiration to his students and to those he worked with,” the statement said.
“He will be forever missed by so many.”
PEGS Football Club president Damien Cerentonio said the club has thrown its support behind Casey, Lila and Zoe.
“Everyone from the club is absolutely devastated and heartbroken by this loss,” he said.
“Mitch, he lit up the room whenever he was in the club. It was a better place when he was around. He brought laughter, humour and would always lighten the mood when he was around, You always felt his love.
“It’s just devastating for his family, we’re all hurting but I can only imagine how, Casey, his wife, and two young daughters are feeling as well … his mum and dad.”
Mr Cerentonio said the fundraising page was “critical” to helping Casey.
“Casey’s family is from New Zealand. So I think that’s why the … page is so important. She’s a young mom now by herself with two girls and her family is based in New Zealand, so it’s critical that we raise as much money as we can over the next little period to ensure that the two girls have the best quality of life that Mitch had always hoped for,” he said.
Details: mycause.com.au/rememberingmitch
