The family of former Leicester Tigers star Steve Booth have asked mourners to donate to charity in lieu of flowers at his funeral.
Funeral director Paul Pender, who is organising Mr Booth’s service at the Great Glen Crematorium on August 30, spoke about the family’s wishes.
He said: “Any donations will be passed on to charities of the family’s choice.
“Mr Booth was a keen supporter of charities and the family would respectfully ask people to give donations rather than send flowers.
“There will be a donation box at the crematorium. Any of my staff will be happy to accept cash or cheques.
“Moreover, donations can be sent to me at Paul Pender & Son Ltd, The Shakespeare, 226 Braunstone Lane, Braunstone Town, LE3 3AS.”
The family has asked mourners to wear flip flops to the funeral.
Mr Booth’s fiancee Danielle Watts, and their two children Maisie, nine, and Jack, five, are to wear the casual beach footwear in memory of the former Leicester Tigers star.
Steve died the day after asking Danielle, his partner of 11 years, to marry him.
The super-fit 42-year-old, who was a fan favourite at Welford Road, collapsed and died of an undiagnosed heart disease on August 13 – the day he was due to pick up the diamond engagement ring he had ordered for his fiancee.
Danielle, who lives near Glen Parva, explained the unusual choice of footwear for the funeral.
“It was his footwear of choice,” she said. “He was always in them.
“On our first date it was snowing but he turned up in flip flops. I could not believe it.”
RIP Steve Booth
Danielle said it was Maisie’s idea to wear flip flops for the funeral.
Mr Booth was signed in 2000 by then Tigers director of rugby Dean Richards, after making an impact in rugby league with Huddersfield and Doncaster.
The club said they were "shocked and saddened" to hear of the passing of Mr Booth, whose style and character made him a firm favourite among the Welford Road fans during his spell at the club.
Head coach Geordan Murphy said: "Steve was a big personality in a dressing room full of big personalities. He always had something to say, but he was also ready to help and was a real a caring guy."
The funeral service is at 2.30pm at the Great Glen Crematorium on August 30.
Afterwards, there is to be a wake for family and friends at the Tigers’ Welford Road stadium.
