Tributes have been paid to a much-loved Sheffield boxer and dad-of-four who died suddenly at the age of 35 this week.
Family and friends gathered on Wednesday in Nodder Road, Woodthorpe, to set of fireworks in remembrance of Luke Smedley. His family announced his death on Tuesday and fondly remembered a ‘fantastic dad, brother and son’.
Luke was a talented amateur boxer boasting 50 wins from 58 fights and was in the process of turning professional when he was injured in a horrific machete attack. The attack outside the High Noon pub in Woodthorpe in 2016 left Luke with a wound that went straight through the flesh right down to the bone of his left arm.
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He was given the heart-breaking news at Sheffield’s Northern General Hospital that he would never be able to box again as his left arm would never fully recover. Luke started boxing at the age of nine and he dad Chris said he ‘lived’ for the sport.
The family have set up a GoFundMe page hoping to raise money to support Luke’s three youngest children and to go towards giving him a fitting send off. Tributes to Luke have been pouring in from the boxing community and from the wider Sheffield community.
Luke’s dad Chris Smedley wrote: “Luke was a great lad, loved a laugh and was always doing pranks on anyone. He was a fantastic dad, brother and son, he lived for boxing and has made many friends in boxing, some becoming more like family.”
He continued: “Most of all thanks Big Luke for [being] a fantastic son who as made me proud so many times. Love you son, till we meet again.”
His brother Nicki Smedley said: “Me and my shadow have now parted. He is in heaven and me, Kya and my family are finding this moment so hard.
He continued: “You [were] our Comedian/Legend and no one could touch you. You were my little brother who I looked up [to].
“You, me and Kya will never be apart forever… until we meet again, we will always love you, forever and ever.”
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Chelsea Smith wrote: “He was such an amazing person like the rest of you guys, will always remember how you all treat me like family in and out off the gym, RIP Luke fly high.”
Rassam Al-batati said: “I can’t believe what I’m reading! Luke was like a brother to me, we’ve been through many years together and went to many places and all the years have been a laugh. I can’t believe he’s gone!! It shows how short this life is! Rest in peace brother.”
Luke’s family wrote on the GoFundMe: “This is his family who are not asking for a lot, just what you can afford. It will be helping his three babies, two little girls and his son, towards giving him the best send off as possible as we only have one send off in this life!
“He was loved by thousands of people and I know he will be hating us for setting this page up but with you, the loving people, it will help so much and we do appreciate anything you can put towards his send off. God Bless you all.”
You can find the full details of the GoFundMe page here.
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