George Fenlon, a 23-year-old man, tragically passed away three months after being attacked on a night out in Blackpool. At the time of the attack, his partner, Beth Turner, was heavily pregnant. Just two weeks before George died, Beth gave birth to their daughter, Clara Georgia, who was named after her father.
Although George never regained consciousness, he had the chance to meet his newborn daughter in hospital before his life support was switched off. A poignant photo captured by his mother, Melissa, showed the heartbreaking moment, providing the family with precious memories of their final time together. Melissa shared, “I’m not sure how we all got through it, the range of emotions was horrendous…but we have memories, we have pictures, and we have handprints of Clara and George together.”
The tragic events unfolded in the early hours of August 15, when police responded to an assault report at The Strand in Blackpool. George, a bartender, suffered severe head injuries after being attacked. He was rushed to Royal Preston Hospital and placed on life support but passed away on November 22. An inquest confirmed that his death was due to complications from blunt head trauma, and a suspect, Rhys Jones, has been charged with murder.
George’s mother, Melissa, recalled the shock the family experienced during the attack and his hospitalization, especially since Beth was six or seven months pregnant at the time. Despite the heartbreaking circumstances, Melissa is determined to honor George’s memory. She is organizing a fundraising event, “The Fenlon Football Funday,” to take place in Blackpool’s Stanley Park. The event, featuring a football tournament and entertainment for children, aims to celebrate George’s fun-loving spirit and legacy. Melissa hopes the event will become an annual tribute to George and allow his daughter Clara, and others, to remember him joyfully.