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In remembrance

Those who travelled with us.

This page is a permanent place within the Blues On Tour community to remember members and supporters who are no longer with us. They were part of what we are.

About this section

Away travel builds the kind of friendships that last beyond the season. Over the years Blues On Tour has said goodbye to supporters who were a genuine part of the group — on the coach, at the ground, and in the conversations that made the long journeys worthwhile.

This is not a formal record. It is simply a way of saying that we remember them, and that their place in the group mattered.

Remembered

Members and supporters

Remembering members and supporters of Blues On Tour.

14/06/1989 – 07/05/2023

Hannah Marie Beard

Portrait of Hannah Marie Beard

In Loving memory of Hannah Marie Beard who was sadly taken from us on 7th May 2023 surrounded by her family at home. A passionate Blue who was loved by so many and a huge part of the Southend United Family. Hannah won League 2 Supporter of the Year in 2011. On the 27th of June, we said our farewells at Southend Crematorium. Whilst a naturally sad occasion it also became the joyous one that Hannah wanted as we reflected on the joy she added to our lives through knowing her. It was well attended by family, friends, fellow blues supporters, club officials and playing staff. Rest In Peace, dearest Hannah.

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Taken 26/12/2020

Richard (Big Rich) Brown

Portrait of Richard (Big Rich) Brown

In Loving memory of Richard “Big Rich” Brown who was sadly taken from us on 26th December 2020. A true gentle giant who was loved by so many and a huge part of the Southend United Family. Richard followed Southend United ‘Home and Away” and his dry sense of humour, cheeky smile and warmer than life heart will never be forgotten. RIP Richard Brown.

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Echoes of Unity: A Farewell to Southend’s Traveling Blues

In memories we gather, as the final whistle fades, A group of souls united, on journeys we have made. With hearts of blue and voices strong, we travelled side by side, Through triumph and defeat, our passion never died.

Blues on Tour, our cherished bond, a brotherhood so true, From Southend’s shores we ventured, to stadiums, old and new. Through rain and shine, we shared the highs, and weathered storms so grim, In victory or loss, we stood together, our loyalty unwavering.

Each trip a tale to tell, of laughter, chants, and cheer, A tapestry of memories, etched in hearts so dear. We sang the songs of Southend, our voices filled with pride, A sea of blue cascading, as our team played with stride.

But now we bid farewell, as one by one we part, Yet the spirit of our travels lingers in each beating heart. Blues on Tour, forever etched, our legacy shall remain, In the annals of Southend United, where our passion will sustain.

So let us raise a toast, to the journeys we have shared, To friendships forged in football, a bond that can’t be snared. As we honour those who’ve passed, their spirits never fade, Blues on Tour, forever bound, in memories we’ve made.

Support

Bereavement and Grief Support

If you or someone you know is coping with loss, support is available.

Most people experience grief when they lose something or someone important to them. If these feelings are affecting your life, there are things you can try that may help.

Support is also available if you’re finding it hard to cope with stress, anxiety or depression.

This content has been copied from the NHS website at Get help with grief after bereavement or loss – NHS in the hope that it may provide help if needed.

Please remember you are not alone.

Bereavement, grief and loss can cause many different symptoms and they affect people in different ways. There’s no right or wrong way to feel.

As well as bereavement, there are other types of loss such as the end of a relationship or losing a job or home.

Some of the most common symptoms include:

  • shock and numbness – this is usually the first reaction to loss, and people often talk about “being in a daze”
  • overwhelming sadness, with lots of crying
  • tiredness or exhaustion
  • anger – towards the person you’ve lost or the reason for your loss
  • guilt – for example, guilt about feeling angry, about something you said or did not say, or not being able to stop your loved one dying

These feelings may not be there all the time and powerful feelings may appear unexpectedly.

It’s not always easy to recognise when bereavement, grief or loss are the reason you’re acting or feeling differently.

Do

Don’t

  • Do not try to do everything at once – set small targets that you can easily achieve
  • Do not focus on the things you cannot change – focus your time and energy into helping yourself feel better
  • Try not to tell yourself that you’re alone – most people feel grief after a loss and support is available
  • Try not to use alcohol, cigarettes, gambling or drugs to relieve grief – these can all contribute to poor mental health

You can find further information and support about:

The GOV.UK website also has information about what to do after someone dies, such as registering the death and planning a funeral.

The people make the journey

Blues On Tour has always been about more than the football. It is about the people who turn up, season after season, and make the effort to travel together. The supporters remembered on this page were part of that — not because of what they did, but because of who they were.

We carry them with us on every trip.

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