Tributes paid to Southend United super-fan Hannah Beard

Hannah – who suffered with Crohn's disease since she was 18 -was named League Two supporter of the year in 2011 after scheduling operations around the Shrimpers’ fixtures.

And Hannah’s proud mother Sheila said watching Blues play was a huge part of Hannah’s life.

“Hannah had to have many operations but would fit them around the Southend matches, said Sheila.

“She wouldn’t go in for an operation if there was a big match coming up.

“The surgeon was very good and used to accommodate her.

“Hannah was a very girly girl but she loved her sport.

“She loved her clothes and her make up too and just loved life too so it’s so sad.

“She was very special.”

Hannah first started watching Blues at the age of eight, alongside her father Stephen, and travelled all over the country to watch the team play.

“For many seasons she didn’t miss a home or an away match,” said Sheila.

“I knew her to get back from Carlisle at three in the morning or five o’clock from Oldham when the coach went the wrong way and she would still get up for work!

“Her life was her football but she loved cricket in the summer too and going to watch Essex.”

Hannah’s fanatical support of the Shrimpers made her a well-known figure among the Roots Hall faithful.

Big fan - Hannah Beard first started watching Blues at the age of eight (Image: The Beard Family)

And her death has led to an incredible number of well-wishers making contact with Hannah’s family, including Blues manager Kevin Maher.

“Kevin text us to ask if there was anything he can do and asked for funeral details too,” said Sheila.

“We’ve had a lot of messages which have helped.”

Sadly, Hannah started to become unwell during lockdown and was diagnosed with cancer earlier this year before passing away.

“She went 10 years with no trouble from the Crohn’s but things really started to go wrong in lockdown,” said Sheila.

“She lost her football fix and got very depressed.

“She lost her job and it was a downward spiral.

“She said the weight loss she was experiencing was down to depression but we now know it wasn’t, it was terminal cancer.

“We found out about five weeks ago and within two weeks she passed away.

“It was such a shock.”

But Hannah’s family now want her to be remembered by launching an award of their own in her memory.

“We want to do an award in her name for the Southend United fan of the year,” said Sheila.

“It would be for someone who has gone to matches through adversity and it would be a way her name lives on for us.”

Hannah’s funeral will take place at Southend Crematorium on Tuesday June 27, starting at 11.20am.

All are welcome and encouraged to wear light colours or a Southend United shirt.