Family praises Leeds United fans after tribute to tragic teenager

The crowd took part in a minute’s applause in memory of 17-year-old Skye Thompson, who died suddenly after suffering a bleed on the brain.

The applause was held during the 17th minute of the televised home game against Blackburn Rovers yesterday.

Skye, a Leeds season ticket holder from Sheffield, has since saved four lives through organ donation since she passed away.

Her uncle and fellow Leeds fan Scott Thompson joined dozens of friends and family members at the match yesterday and told the YEP that the support of the fans has been ‘unbelievable’.

He said: “In the 17th minute, the whole crowd stood and applauded in Skye’s memory.

“It was incredibly emotional. I managed to hold it together until the applause started.

“I thought I was going to faint at the 16th minute in case it didn’t happen but everybody stood up – even the Blackburn fans.

“I had tears coming down my face and the whole family was in tears.

“It was one of those moments that will live with you for the rest of your life.

“I knew before that the Leeds fans are unbelievable but now I feel it even more.

“We’re so glad it took off and never thought in my wildest dreams that it would get this far.

“It couldn’t have gone any better and I know she would have been smiling down.”

The family hopes that Skye’s story will encourage other people to sign up to the organ donor register.

Mr Thomspon added: “Obviously Skye losing her life has meant that four other people could live on through organ donation.

“We want to raise awareness of organ donation and how important it can be.

“It only takes a couple of minutes to sign the register and the amount of good it can bring to other families is beyond belief.”

Barnsley College student Skye’s family have been sent a card of condolence signed by Leeds’s players and head coach Steve Evans.

The teenager’s favourite player, Mirco Antenucci, has also signed a shirt that her loved ones are planning to have framed.

For information on how to join the donor register, visit the www.organdonation.nhs.uk website.