In memory of Jack Shields

On Sunday 28 April, we lost Jack Shields - a few weeks before his 30th birthday.

Thousands knew Jack as the bloke who spoke sense online about Sunderland AFC every week. He was full of knowledge, had such authentic opinions and was always genuinely worth listening to.

Jack was also the guy I graduated beside. He was the voice-note supremo, the Mackem who thought his cockney accent was on point (it wasn’t)… he had time for anyone and everyone. Always funny, yet always kind: always Jack.

I feel incredibly lucky to have called him my mate for more than a decade - and like so many, am devastated he’s gone at just 29 years old.

Later this year, I’m doing the Great South Run for the British Heart Foundation to raise money in Jack’s memory. If you can spare a few quid, please do - it’d mean the world.

Jack: we never quite made that reunion with everyone happen, did we mate? We never made it to the Ally Pally together either… but you’ll always be with us. We love you brother - sleep tight x ❤️

More information about British Heart Foundation

We're the nation's heart charity. We help save lives with information, patient care and pioneering research. With your support, we're beating heart disease for good.