Farewell to a hero in ‘Big G’

Fans’ favourite loses MND battle

By Jon Couch

THE Non-League family are united in mourning for North West west fans’ favourite George Melling who lost his battle with motor neurone disease this week at the age of 37.

Father-of-three Melling, affectionately known as ‘Big G’, was diagnosed with the degenerative condition in January 2021 and brought forward his dream wedding to partner Nicci last June.

A tough-tackling central defender, Melling captained Longridge Town but was popular wherever he played, turning out for a number of clubs including Blackpool, Morecambe, Altrincham, Northwich Victoria, Lancaster City, Leyland Town, Kendal Town, Clitheroe and Colne.

Earlier this year, a charity bike ride for one of Non-League’s most treasured characters raised more than £12,000, while two of his former managers, Longridge’s Lee Ashcroft and Lancaster City’s Mark Fell carried out their own fundraising event Ride4George –a threeday bike ride which took in several of Melling’s former clubs.

Infectuous

Announcing his death, Nicci said that he will leave a massive hole in everyone’s hearts.

“Heaven gained the best angel early hours this morning and we were all by his side right to the very end,” she said.

“Everyone is so very proud of the horrendous battle that you tried so hard to fight. MND is not the definition of George Melling it was just the cruel, cruel disease that took him away from us.

“He was a fantastic father… a terrible dancer…. Life and soul of the party and I’m so very proud to call him my husband. Once met never forgotten!

When he walked in a room you knew about it! You couldn’t help but love him. The twinkle in his eye and that cheeky wink, his presence was infectious.”

In a tweet, Longridge Town wrote: “It is with a heart-breaking sadness that the club has learnt of the death earlier today of former captain George Melling. Our thoughts are with his Mum and Dad, wife Nicci and children Jacob, Isabel and stepson Kaiser.

Legacy

“George was more than a player and captain for Longridge Town, he was one of us, a long-time friend of both Ashley and Kieran, a leader and a winner. He will be forever remembered by all of us at Longridge Town,and sorely missed. RIP BigG…give our love to Tuck-er.”

Ashcrofttold BBC Radio Lancashire:“Ever since he gotthedisease everything he didwas inspirational.”

Posting on so-cial media, Kendal Town added: “Kendal Town FC are saddened to hear of the passing of former player and fans favourite George Melling.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with George’s family at this very difficult time.

“We will hold a minute’s applause at Saturday’s game and also run a collection for his family. Rest in peace, George.”

And Northwich Victoria added: “The club are completely devastated to learn that our former player and non-league giant George Melling has tragically passed away.

“We send all our love and strength to George’s family and friends. His legacy for the fight he made against MND will live eternally and help others.”