Julia Regis: Tributes to Cyrille have helped me cope with tragic loss
Cyrille Regis’ widow says words of comfort from thousands of well-wishers have helped her deal with the loss of her husband.
Julia Regis told the Express & Star on the eve of the Albion legend’s funeral today that she regularly reads tributes to help ward off sleepless nights.
It comes as his family urged mourners to make donations to charity in place of floral tributes.
Around 1,800 football fans and close friends will visit The Hawthorns this morning for a celebration of Cyrille’s life after a private family funeral.
Regis died just over a fortnight ago of a suspected heart attack aged 59, but the tributes to the former Albion, Villa and Wolves striker have touched his widow.
Touching
“It’s really welcomed,” said Mrs Regis. “I’ve got a huge pile of newspapers, people have been collating some of the ones online for me to sit and read when the time’s right.
“The last two weeks we’ve been on a rollercoaster of trying to grieve and come to terms with what happened because it was so unexpected.
“We haven’t had time to sit and read them all. They’re just so touching.
“The thing that’s touched my heart the most, is it’s not just ‘you’re a great footballer’, it was the personal accounts from when they met him.
“I found them very comforting and therapeutic. I’ve been reading them sporadically, when I’ve not been able to sleep I’ve been looking at a few of them online, that has helped, I found it very helpful.”
The Regis family have asked football fans and well-wishers to donate to three of Cyrille’s chosen charities instead of sending flowers.
Donations in his name would be welcomed by The Jason Roberts Foundation, Water Aid, and Christians in Sport.
Honour
“We just felt that Cyrille was such a giver, he always gave his time and resources,” said Mrs Regis.
“He supported numerous charities over the years. We’ve just chosen three he was actively involved in but there were so many more.
“We thought it would be in keeping with how he lived his life really. It was more about giving than receiving. It was a great way to honour him.”
Cyrille was a pioneer in British football, and helped pave the way for a generation of black footballers after him.
The celebration of his life in the East Stand at The Hawthorns today will see tributes paid to the star from across his life and the world of sport and entertainment.
Speakers will include fellow member of the ‘Three Degrees’ Brendon Batson, Graham Daniels from Christians in Sport, football agent Jonathan Barnett, John Sillett, manager of the Coventry City team with whom Cyrille won the FA Cup, and John Homer, chairman of Albion’s official supporters club.
Family tributes will be provided by Cyrille’s children Robert and Michelle, his nephew and former Albion striker Jason Roberts, and his brother Dave Regis.
The eulogy will be read by his widow, Julia.
West Bromwich Albion said in a statement: “Cyrille was very clear about how he wanted this day to be and the songs, lively atmosphere and personal tributes are a reflection of his wishes, along with those of his wife Julia and his children.”
The service runs from 10.45am, while scores of Baggies supporters are expected to wave goodbye to the funeral cortege when it departs from outside the ground at 8.45am.
To donate to the Jason Roberts Foundation visit www.justgiving.com/fundraising/cyrille-regis for Water Aid www.cyrille-regis.muchloved.com or for Christians in Sport head to www.christiansinsport.org.uk/give
