George Melling dies after fight with motor neurone disease

The 37-year-old died earlier today following a battle with motor neurone disease.

Father-of-three Melling played for Vics during the 2013-14 season but his time at the club was cut short due to a serious Achilles injury.

The ex-defender was diagnosed with motor neurone disease in January 2021 and since then, friends, family and former teammates and managers – including those at Vics – have rallied round to support him and his family.

A hardy group of fans, former teammates and coaches hit the road to cycle between Melling’s former clubs last year to raise funds in support of George and MND.

Northwich Victoria was one stop en route, with Trickies fans Colin Buckley, Jimmy Maddock and Jamie Dewsbury joining the ride at Wincham Park and cycling around 30 miles to Leek Town FC.

A statement from Vics said: "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."

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 & strength to George’s family and friends. His legacy for the fight he made against MND will live eternally and help others 💚 pic.twitter.com/BDjjoKRH69

— Northwich Victoria F.C (@NorthwichVicsFC) April 11, 2022

Vics' manager Steve Wilkes signed Melling for his former club Padiham and he expressed his sorrow on Twitter.

He said: "Absolutely devastated to hear the news regarding Big G.

"You were a man mountain on the pitch and even bigger off it.

"You fought so bravely and gallantly my friend.

"Heaven has gained a true gentleman.

"I am honoured and privileged to say we shared a dressing room. RIP George."

Absolutely devastated to hear the news regarding Big G. You were a man mountain on the pitch and even bigger off it. You fought so bravely and gallantly my friend. Heaven has gained a true gentleman. I am honoured and privileged to say we shared a dressing room. RIP George 🙏💚🙏

— Steve Wilkes (@stevewilkes1) April 11, 2022

Melling's other club's included Leek Town, Kendal Town, Longridge Town, Bamber Bridge, Coppull United, Altrincham, Ashton United, Morecambe, Lancaster City and Nelson.

When Wilkes managed Melling at Padiham he used to live near him in Chorley.

He had watched Melling at two different clubs before taking him to Padiham, where they travelled in together.

“He only played for me for a few games – I think about half a dozen, but I’d known him 10 years by then,” Wilkes previously told Northwich Guardian.

“He was always what I would class as a leader – a big presence in the dressing room and on the pitch as well."

More tributes on social media from the Vics camp and across non-league football:

Absolutely heartbreaking, an inspirational man, warrior and hero to many, rest easy big man 💚🇳🇬💚

— Sean Robinson🟨🟥 (@daley_thoughts) April 11, 2022

Absolutely gutted to hear this sad news. RIP George, your courageous battle against MND will live long in our hearts and inspire everyone with your bravery and determination. Sending all our love to all of Georges family and friends 💚💚

— Ian Egerton (@Ianegerton1974) April 11, 2022

It is with a heartbreaking sadness that the Club has learnt of the death earlier today of former Captain George Melling. George has been suffering with Motor Neurone Disease for the past two years and all our thoughts are with his family! pic.twitter.com/jJRSR0O8CI

— Longridge Town FC (@LongridgeTownFC) April 11, 2022

We are also saddened to hear that George Melling has passed away after his battle with #MND.

Our thoughts are with his family at this time. #FootballFamily https://t.co/3W8X1iDKg4

— Ramsbottom United FC (@RamsbottomUtd) April 11, 2022

Extremely sad news to hear of the passing of George Melling.
George was a local football hero who has battled with great bravery and courage for the last 2 years with MND.

Our thoughts and prayers go out to George's family & friends.
RIP George 🙏

— Sir Tom Finney FC (@finney_sirfc) April 11, 2022

⚫️⚪️ RIP George Melling ⚪️⚫️

A true warrior that fought to the end just like the days in the black and white of @kendaltownfc ⚫️⚪️

— Brett Croskell (@BCroskell92) April 11, 2022

Desperately sad news today from local football. Thoughts and condolences to friends and family of George Melling. RIP https://t.co/5sHfBwwaYd

— Preston Supporters Collective (@PrestonSuppColl) April 11, 2022

Those that were fortunate or unfortunate to play with or against George Melling will tell you what brilliant man he was. On the pitch fearless, aggressive, honest & a true leader! Proud to have experienced both, absolute gentleman off it. Love to all his family & friends RIP 💔😔

— Danny Caldecott (@DannyCaldecott) April 11, 2022

Sincere Condolences from everyone at Kidsgrove Athletic
Very sas news - big character on & off the pitch who battled a dreadful illness with total courage raising awareness & money for Motor Neurone Disease.
Thoughts with all of George's friends and family
RIP George Melling

— Kidsgrove Athletic FC (@OfficialKAFC) April 11, 2022

Ashton United are saddened to learn the passing of former player, George Melling.

George was a fantastic servant of the club and our thoughts are with his family, friends and loved ones.#AUFC #ONECLUB

— Ashton United FC (@AshtonUnitedFC) April 11, 2022

My heart is completely broken 💔

My friend & hero has left us

George Melling

We’d arranged to go out a couple of days before I came abroad on holiday, and typical G; he replied - and read my last message 🙏 fighting to the very end & thinking of other people at the same time pic.twitter.com/pIkPp3kyVh

— Jamie Dewsbury (@VicsNews) April 11, 2022