THE wife of Racecourse legend Steve Fox has paid tribute to her late husband.
Helen Fox said the former Wrexham FC winger, who made more than
140 appearances for the Reds during the 1970s and 80s, was her ‘best friend’.
Steve, who also played for Chester City in the mid-1980s, died on Saturday, aged 54, after a battle with cancer.
He is also survived by sons Matthew, 31, and Daniel, 25.
Helen told the Leader: “Steve was not just my husband, but my best friend. He remembered our anniversary on October 29, and even sent out Daniel to buy me a card and flowers.
“He went downhill pretty rapidly in the last week, but he went peacefully and all the family were with him.
“I still can’t believe he’s gone.”
Steve was diagnosed with cancer earlier this year after he suffered a brain infection, but the disease spread to his heart, liver, lungs and spine.
Last month Helen made an emotive plea to fans for TV footage of the star in his pomp in a bid to lift his spirits as he became weaker.
Steve had begun making arrangements for his funeral before his health took a turn for the worst.
Helen, 50, said: “I can’t believe how well organised he was. Everything has been taken care of, even the song he wants played at his funeral.
“He’s left me a folder containing all the documents we need. He had thought of everything.”
Donations from Steve’s funeral will be used to purchase a new television and games for Parkbrook Lodge care home in Uttoxeter, where his autistic son Matthew lives.
Helen said: “The staff there are wonderful with Matthew, and are giving him lots of TLC at this time.”
Tributes for Steve, who won Player of the Season while at Wrexham in 1981, continue to pour into the Red Passion website.
User ‘daiwxm’ wrote: “Will have very fond memories of him. A marvellous player to watch.”
‘Daley1965’ wrote: “Tore West Ham apart in the cup at the Racecourse, amazingly talented player. One of my all time Wrexham greats.”
And ‘red4ever’ said: “A true legend, thanks for the memories.”
Helen and the family have offered their thanks to fans for their kind messages of support.
“It’s been really comforting,” she added.
The details of Steve’s funeral will be announced later this week.