A DAD who died after travelling to Qatar for the World Cup has been described as a “lovely man” by shocked neighbours.
Kevin Davies, from Pembrokeshire, Wales, had been suffering from a serious illness but had recovered and was well enough to make the 3,300-mile trip to Doha with his son.
The 62-year-old grandad left the village of Boncath with friends and other family members ten days ago to cheer on Rob Page’s side.
But on Friday he was not well enough to go to Ahmed bin Ali Stadium to watch Wales take on Iran.
Mr Davies was later taken to hospital, where he died.
A villager in Boncath told The Sun: “Everyone is in shock – Kevin was a lovely man and very respected in the community and beyond.
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“He was being treated for a type of cancer but he was well and looking forward to going to the World Cup.
“He was devoted to his family, everyone is feeling for them after he died so far away from home.”
Grandfather Mr Davies had retired from his job in further education with Pembrokeshire Council but was still very active as a community councillor for the village where he lived with wife, Catrin.
He travelled to Qatar with his son Gerallt who is making arrangements to have his father’s body flown home.
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Mr Davies’s wife was being comforted by the couple’s daughter Einir today.
The British Embassy, Qatari authorities and the Football Association of Wales (FAW), as well as travel company Wonky Sheep, are said to be helping Mr Davies’s son to make all the necessary preparations and fly home.
The Football Association of Wales said: “Our deepest condolences from everyone at the Football Association of Wales.
“Our thoughts are with Kevin’s family and friends at this sad time.
“The FAW is in contact with Kevin’s family to help in whatever way we can.”
Noel Mooney, chief executive of the Football Association of Wales (FAW), wrote on Twitter: “So sorry to hear that one of our supporters has passed away here.”
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He added: “Our condolences go to the family and of course we are here to support however we can.”
A Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office spokesman said: “We are supporting the family of a British man who has died in Qatar.”
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
