Bristol Rovers applause tribute to young fan Cory Leaworthy will live with father forever

A heartfelt round of applause sounded at Bristol Rovers’ match against Harrogate Town over the weekend as supporters paid tribute to a 21-year-old fan who sadly died.

Gas supporters clapped and cheered 21 minutes into the game at The Memorial Stadium on Saturday (March 12) in memory of Cory Leaworthy from Kingswood, Bristol.

His father, Paul Leaworthy, said the tribute had ‘done his family proud’ and ‘would live with him forever’ as he struggles to get his head around his son’s death.

Cory, an electrician and lifelong Rovers fan who would often attend matches, passed away on March 5, leaving behind a heartbroken raft of family and friends.

Over £12,000 has been raised to cover funeral costs for the former St Bernadette Catholic Secondary School’s pupil, with a fundraising page set up by family friend Ann Watts more than doubling its £5,000 target in just over a week.

Paul told BristolWorld: “Cory was the life and soul of the party. He was the sort of lad who loved and was a friend to everyone he came across.

“But he was struggling and he told me he didn’t like his life. We all tried to talk to him but he found speaking out difficult.

Paul partly blames the pressures social media places on young people to be perfect on Cory’s death, and also believes that there’s not enough help in the mental health sector for young people.

Following his death, Bristol acoustic duo Stand Tall made a special appearance in Cory’s honour at The Portcullis pub in Staple Hill, urging young people in the audience to seek help if they needed it.

Paul added: “They were amazing and pointed to me and Cory’s sisters who were watching, urging them never to leave their families in the same position.

“If I can get anything across - please talk.

“I don’t think that young men feel they can speak about their emotions, even these days.

“There’s a huge hole where he used to be. I’m trying to get on with it, but it’s so hard.”

People can still donate to the fundraising page here. A date for the funeral is yet to be announced.