Southampton Supporter Opts To Switch Off Life Support And Donate Organs After Fall At St Mary's
Thursday, 7th Dec 2023 10:38

Many football fans will say that when they die, they would like it to be at the stadium of their favourite team, Saints supporter Simon Oakley didn't quite manage that, but his story is one of courage and bravery after collapsing at St Mary's during the game against Rotherham United.

The Daily Echo has revealed that Southampton supporter Simon Oakley chose to end his own life and donate his organs to others.

As many will know 59 year old Simon collapsed 10 minutes before half time in the game against Rotherham United on 7th October, his medical issue caused him to fall down the steps and in doing so he suffered life changing injuries to his spine, which meant that he would be paralysed from the neck down.

Initially he was in a coma, but came round from that and he and his family soon realised that life would not be the same again.

Speaking to The Daily Echo his brother Brian revealed.

"The family hoped that he would recover but I think in time we all realised that he never would, he was overjoyed to receive a visit from Francis Benali and soon after that Simon made the decision that his ventilator should be switched off and his organs donated to those in need"

But more poignantly Simon chose the moment that he would actually take his last breath, he knew that by switching off the ventilator he would die quickly and he chose 3pm on November 13th, the date having significance as his birthday was April 13th and 3pm was the usual kick off time during his lifetime of supporting Southampton Football Club.

Brian continued:

“It’s an amazing and courageous thing to do, not a decision I could make.

“To give yourself up so that others could live, he will always be remembered for that. However sad his death makes us, he made us makes us very proud of him.

"His last memory was of being in the place he loved: Watching the Saints play."

Simon's kidneys and cornea were donated shortly after his death as per his wishes.

A tribute was paid to Simon both by Southampton supporters and also the club itself on the TV screen during the match against Bristol City on 29th November.

There are no words that can convey how brave and courageous Simon Oakley was in his final days, many reading this will have been to the Rotherham game and like Simon expected to enjoy watching Saints play and then go home, go out and go to work as normal when they left the stadium at around 5pm.

Simon sadly did none of these things, if he had died in St Mary's he would have perhaps dies happy in a place he clearly loved, but it would not be that simple for him and every Saints supporter should admire Simon for the way he bravely decided that the life that he would have to live was not for him and that he would rather die and in doing so help others.

No one should ever have to make that choice, there but for the grace of God goes everyone in the Stadium that day bar Simon Oakley may he rest in peace, Once A Saint Always A Saint, I'm sure he will not be forgotten by his family & friends.

Photo: Action Images

Please report offensive, libellous or inappropriate posts by using the links provided.