NUFC Fans Food Bank volunteers remember ‘canny fella’ David Harrison

As fans queued, pints at The Strawberry were poured and the NUFC Fans Food Bank rattled their buckets, it seemed like business as usual at St. James' Park before the club's FA Cup fixture with Cambridge United.

However, for a large number of fans, there was a figure missing in the pre-match atmosphere.

David Harrison passed away suddenly on Monday, January 3 and left a fanbase missing his smiling, ever-reliable presence.

The cause of David's death is still to be confirmed, but paramedics believe the 69-year-old passed away in his sleep as a result of a cardiac arrest.

David, who was a NUFC season ticket holder for 40 years, held the position of GB Archery Chairman during the London 2012 Olympics and went on to found the Bowmen of Walker.

He also found time to support the NUFC Fans Food Bank, who shared their memories of David with NewcastleWorld before Saturday's match.

Here's what they have to say...

Steve: "David was a relative of mine and also a very good friend, as he was to everybody at the West End Food Bank and the collection points here at St. James' Park.

"That's how most people knew him but he did have quite a presence in the community with his archery.

"We had some great times over the last few months, especially with him doing the podcasts.

"We went to a Christmas party just before the holiday period where all the podcasters were together, and what a great laugh we had."

John: "Totally shocked and saddened by the passing of David, it was very unexpected.

"In fact, we'd had a good old chat standing here before the Manchester United match the week before.

"It's very out of the blue, obviously our sympathies are with David and his wife and his daughter.

"It's a dreadful time for them and we send our best wishes and love to them.

"He had a big heart and a big conscience, he was always thinking of others and how he could support the Food Bank."

Bill: "Dave was like our friendly uncle and we miss him already.

"He was someone it didn't take long to know because he was a fantastic bloke, a good lad, a canny fella and one of ours.

"We're so proud he chose to come and help the Food Bank out and I wish we'd known him longer."