Crystal Palace pay tribute to fan who died from severe brain injuries after being hit by a bus

Crystal Palace have paid tribute to a lifelong supporter after he tragically died while celebrating his team’s 2-1 win over Leicester City earlier this month.

Liam Foley was with his brother Niall in Brixton, south London when the incident occurred on April 1 shortly after Roy Hodgson‘s side had picked up a valuable three points at Selhurst Park.

Foley was taken to hospital and placed on life support for four days before he was pronounced dead due to severe brain injuries.

Palace released a statement on Wednesday that read: ‘We are deeply saddened to learn of the tragic passing of lifelong fan, Liam Foley. Our thoughts are with his family and loved ones at this extremely sad time. 

‘We understand that Liam’s girlfriend, Josephine, is running the London Marathon and raising funds in his memory – and we wish her all the very best.’

This follows Griffiths paying her own personal tribute to Foley as she revealed she will be running Sunday’s race for the Brain and Spine Foundation. 

She has dedicated her run to his memory, and has asked for the public to donate generously to a charity that has become even more significant to her since her loss.

A Crystal Palace fan passed away after being hit by a bus following their win over Leicester

Liam Foley died after being hit by a bus while celebrating an Eagles win on April 1

His girlfriend Josephine Griffiths will be running the London Marathon in his memory

Writing on Facebook, Griffiths’ heartfelt message read: ‘To my Liam, there are no words to describe the pain I’m feeling not having you here by my side. You weren’t just my boyfriend, you were my best friend, my soulmate, my person.

‘With you by my side you made me feel as though I could achieve anything and anything was possible.

‘Your passion for life was something else, the biggest yes man I knew. You really lived life to the fullest with a beer in one hand and me in the other.

‘The love you showed me was unmatched and I hope you felt I showed you that too. You taught me so much in our time together and I count myself so so lucky to call you my boyfriend.

‘I always said you’d never be able to convert me to a Palace supporter but here I am, their new biggest fan.

‘You will be by my side in everything I do and I promise to make you proud, starting with the marathon in 2 weeks time. With your incredible family and friends who you loved so much by my side I promise you don’t need to worry about me.

‘I’m not ready and don’t think I ever will be ready to say goodbye so for now it’s a see you soon.

‘Thank you for the memories, the laughs, the pints and the endless love. Rest easy my love.’

The incident took place outside Brixton underground station in the small hours of April 1

The Crystal Palace HLTCO podcast also posted their support for Josephine ahead of her race, while explaining how the club are set to honour Foley ahead of their next home match against Everton on Saturday.

‘As you can no doubt imagine, the last couple of weeks have been incredibly hard for Liam’s family and friends,’ they wrote.

‘Liam was a truly passionate and committed Palace fan, having had a season ticket for 20 years. 

‘Liam’s girlfriend Jo is running the London Marathon to raise money for the Brain and Spine Foundation next week, a charity which now, all too sadly, means even more to all of those who loved Liam.

‘The club have been in touch with his family and will be putting a picture of Liam in the programme and on the big screen for our home game against Everton this weekend coming but could I please ask you to visit Jo’s JustGiving page and consider giving him a donation. 

‘I’m sure you’ll agree that Jo deserves endless admiration for running the marathon given what she’s had to endure over the last 2 weeks. RIP Liam Foley.’

 You can donate to Josephine Griffiths’ donation page by clicking here