A small group of Exeter City supporters have come together to sponsor the No.29 home shirt in memory of Sam Richardson.
The shirt became available when Kevin McDonald signed for the club during the January transfer window. Sam died unexpectedly in January last year, aged 29.
There was an emotional tribute to Sam during the 2-0 away win against Walsall following his death, when all four corners of the ground joined together for a minute’s applause on 29 minutes – one for each year of his life. The referee stopped the game so players could join the applause.
Sam was a student radiographer at Bristol Hospital and had just passed his final exams. He was a lifelong City supporter travelling to home and away games from his home in Swindon. Sam was one of the touring party following Exeter City in Brazil in 2014. As a medical professional he would have appreciated the journey Kevin McDonald has been on in his battle with kidney disease. So, it is a fitting tribute to Sam to sponsor the 29 shirt worn by Kevin.
The group named Friends of Sam Richardson – Will Ash, Rod Ash, Glynn Charles, Steven Chown, James Davidson, Darren Drew, Nick Ford, Jake Lintott, Jacques McArdle and Nick Rendle – will donate the shirt to Sam’s family at the end of the season.