 By Maria Ryder Supporters of Lincoln City FC hold many former players dear to their hearts, but especially Richard Butcher. Richard joined the club for the first of his three spells as an Imp in 2002 when another Lincoln hero, manager Keith Alexander signed him from Kettering. It was to be a partnership which is forged in Lincoln City history and recalled with deep affection. As a midfielder Richard was a key part of the Imps ‘oh so close’ promotion pushing side in the early 2000’s. He later returned on loan for a short time in 2005, before coming back again in 2009/10. He left for the last time to join Keith Alexander who was then managing Macclesfield Town. Just over a month later Richard was the last person at the club to speak to Keith who died suddenly in March 2010. Keith was already cemented in the love of Imps, so although he was managing another side his death shook the Lincoln City FC family. When Richard, who was just 29 passed away suddenly ten months later in January 2011, cruel fate seemed unbearable. Acknowledging the distressing tragedy for both families first and foremost, for Imps fans these untimely and unexpected events has underlined a period of the clubs history and ensured these two men are treasured in our memories. It’s one thing to remember with fondness the gift a player or manager has given a club, especially after they’ve died but what about the families left behind? We as fans know football can be all consuming, and for parents seeing a child through to achieving their dream means everyone is immersed in football - you give your time, energy and soul to the game. For Gail and Butch, Richard’s parents, the memories of Richard are of course meshed in the game and with the length of time Richard spent with the Imps, Lincoln is a special place. They visit the city and the club regularly and some L.I.S.A members were privileged to spend some time with them recently. Gail spoke to Maria Ryder about a young Richard Butcher. Part 1 below... So what about the move to Lincoln and Keith Alexander. Part 2 below .... Gail also spoke about losing Richard and bereavement.. Part 3 below.... Since Richard’s death, in trying to sort his affairs, Gail discovered that there are rules in place which would appear to be not only unfair but override the wishes of someone who’s died. In summary; if you have a private financial arrangement such as a pension, which is managed by a company, you can indicate what you would like to happen to that money in the event of your death - your ‘expression of wishes’. However, Gail says she has discovered that even if you are named as a beneficiary of someone’s wishes, the trustees of the money are not obliged to inform you and can also decide to override those wishes and allocate the money elsewhere. This is because the word ‘discretionary’ is used in the wording of the ‘expression of wishes’. The financial body is given the discretion to consider what you requested, but can disregard it. Gail is petitioning for this word ‘discretionary’ to be removed so that people’s ‘expression of wishes’ are followed. Gail needs more support for her campaign and you can find out more by clicking the link below.
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