The widow of a popular Ipswich Town fan who died shortly after a Blues victory has thanked family and friends for their “overwhelming” support in an emotional tribute.

Michael Kemp died after watching Town’s 3-2 away win over Blackpool on November 9 last year. He was 55.

Lynn Kemp, 50, of Bramford Lane, Ipswich, has today praised everyone who has helped her come to terms with his death. They were married for 24 years; and together for 27 years.

She said: “On November 9, 2013, my life was turned upside down by the worst news a wife could possibly receive. The husband I love and adore passed away after watching his beloved club win at Blackpool.

“I did not realise that waving to him after dropping him off at the train station as I had done many, many times that it was going to be the last time I ever did, and it was going to turn out to be the worst day of my life.

“He was a lovely person and I think that everyone who knew him is missing him, his humour and his personality as much as I am.

“Thank you to the Rev Trevor Golding of St Augustine’s Church for a beautiful service and to everyone who came to give Mike such a special send-off.

“It was overwhelming, the amount of respect and love shown to a very special person and it made what I was expecting to be such an unbearable day much easier and I realised that the huge loss was not only mine.

“Special thanks to Martin Foster of the East of England Co-op Funerals who looked after me and treated Mike with the greatest of dignity and respect.

“Thanks also to the executive team, friends and colleagues at the East of England Co-op who have been there and supported me throughout and still are.”

She also expressed her gratitude to Ipswich Town. Manager Mick McCarthy, players and staff sent flowers and condolence cards, while a wreath was placed on Mr Kemp’s seat in the East of England Co-op Stand for 11 weeks until February 1.

She added: “A final but immense thanks to my family, Mike’s family and all of mine and Mike’s friends and work colleagues who are looking after me and helping me cope with life without him.”

She also thanked people who helped donate £708 to Help for Heroes and £140 to The Rifles regiment.