THE FAMILY of a 36-year-old Blackburn Rovers supporter who died suddenly are to donate his organs in his memory.

Matthew Green was taken ill while travelling to Ewood Park to watch his beloved team against Preston on Saturday.

His auntie Julie McAteer said the family now wanted to use Mr Green’s death to help others and save lives by donating his organs.

Ms McAteer, from Accrington, who works as a healthcare assistant on the critical care unit at Royal Blackburn Hospital, said: “After Matthew’s tragic death, I mentioned the idea of donating his organs.

“From my own experience working on the critical care unit, I’ve found that this can give comfort to relatives.

“Matthew’s death doesn’t need to be a waste and we want him to be able to help others and save lives.

“So we’ve agreed as a family to donate Matthew’s organs.”

Mr Green’s aunt said his wife Jacqui has now signed an organ donation consent form.

She said in a couple of months the family will know who has been helped by the donation of Mr Green’s organs.

Ms McAteer said: “A lot of people don’t think about doing things like such as donating organs.

“We are all distraught as a family about Matthew but we want to do something in his memory so he has a legacy.”

The 52-year-old went on to pay tribute to her nephew who she described as one in a million.

She added: “Matthew had a bad start in life but he blossomed into a brilliant young go man.

“Matthew was happy go lucky, loved his family and was full of life.

“He always had to have a joke and cheer people up and would have time for anybody. He will be sorely missed.”

Mr Green, from Accrington, had worked as a warehouse operative at Express Gifts in Church for 17 years.

He leaves devoted wife Jacqui, parents Janet and Michael, siblings Amanda, Michelle, Dean and Ryan, brother-in-law and sister-in-law Jim and Kate. He is also a special nephew and cousin to many.

The funeral will take place on Wednesday at Accrington Crematorium at 3pm.