'We are devastated' - Preston North End announce death of ground safety officer and 'outstanding family man'

Lilywhite officials to social media to announced that Ground Safety Officer Mark Farnworth died aged 62 on Monday, January 5. He had initially been taken ill while on holiday last July.

The message said: “Every member of the PNE staff was distraught when they were informed yesterday afternoon of Mark’s passing. Their reaction was a real testimony to the way in which he was respected both inside the club and in the wider community.

“Mark joined PNE as Ground Safety Officer in February 2013 after 24 years of distinguished service with the Lancashire Police force. Everyone connected with Preston North End Football Club will miss him dearly as a colleague and as one of the most respected Ground Safety Officers in English football.”

They added: “Our thoughts and prayers go out to his wife Deborah, his children Hannah, Victoria, Laura, Grace and Tom, all of his grandchildren and of course his friends. Mark was an outstanding family man and was initially taken ill on a family holiday last July and we, along with his family must thank and pay tribute to all in the National Health Service for their professionalism and care over the last few months.”

Dozens of tributes have been posted by friends, colleagues and the PNE community, many calling Mark ‘a true gentleman’.