A huge Liverpool FC fan "who loved life" died from pancreatic cancer in a double tragedy for his colleagues.
Paul Routledge, originally from Crosby and also affectionately known as Rutty to loved ones, died from the disease a few weeks before Christmas last year aged 51 despite a 'courageous battle'.
The dad-of-three was said to be 'deeply passionate about Liverpool ' and also played for Dingwall FC for many years.
Many of his former teammates showed just how much he was loved as they shared tributes to him.
READ MORE: Gun thugs and gangland brothers jailed for botched underworld shooting
One said: “Paul was a wonderful man, a gentleman, who loved life, a friend and the most wonderful footballer we have had the pleasure to have been graced with. True legend.”
The 51-year-old's colleagues from insurance company Aviva said "most of all though, Paul loved his family, his incredible wife Lynn and wonderful children Luke, Mae and Max".
Paul's work friends had also lost another colleague, Paula Goody, to the same cancer.
A spokesperson for the company said: "Both of them were hugely respected both within Aviva and with the broker partners they worked with over the years.
"The impact of losing them both has been significant, and a team within Aviva’s General Insurance business decided that their memories should be honoured and have set about raising £30,000 for Pancreatic Cancer UK to help the fight against this dreadful disease."
Now, on Tuesday September 14, their work friends will be cycling over 220 miles from Anfield to Cambridge, supporting 'Team Aviva & Friends Fundraising for Rutty & Paula' in their quest to raise £30,000 for Pancreatic Cancer UK.
The work colleagues said starting the bike ride, which they hope raises £15,000 of the £30,000 target, at Anfield is "incredibly poignant" due to Paul's love for Liverpool FC.
It will take two days to complete as 14 riders from Aviva, who shared memories of working with Paula and Paul, will cover more than 100 miles.
To donate to the fundraising page, please click here.
Receive newsletters with the latest news, sport and what's on updates from the Liverpool ECHO by signing up here.
