Lacey's Story

Lacey Warburton was a bright, caring and much-loved seven-year-old who filled every room with laughter. She had an infectious smile, a kind heart and a personality that made people gravitate towards her.

To her family and friends, she wasn't just a daughter, granddaughter, sister or friend — she was the centre of their world.

In August 2018, while enjoying what should have been a happy family camping trip near Halifax, Lacey suddenly became unwell. Despite the incredible efforts of her family, paramedics and hospital staff, Lacey tragically passed away just a short time later.

Following extensive investigations, a coroner concluded that Lacey's death was caused by Sudden Unexplained Death in Childhood (SUDC) — a devastating condition where a child over the age of one dies unexpectedly and no definitive cause can be identified, despite a full investigation.

It is believed Lacey may have had an underlying weakness of the heart, but no family should ever have to experience such heartbreak.

Although Lacey's life was far too short, her story did not end there.

Out of unimaginable grief came a determination that her name would never be forgotten. Love of Lacey was created to celebrate the happiness, kindness and love that Lacey brought to everyone around her while making a positive difference in her memory.

Today, Love of Lacey is much more than a football club. It is a family, a community and a promise.

Every match played, every shirt worn, every volunteer who gives their time and every supporter standing on the touchline helps keep Lacey's memory alive. The club represents togetherness, compassion and the belief that football can bring people together for something far bigger than the game itself.

• Family — every player, parent and supporter belongs.
• Remembrance — we play in Lacey's name, always.
• Community — the club is a home, not just a team.
• Kindness — on the pitch and off it.

Alongside the football club, Love of Lacey continues to support charitable causes in Lacey's name, including raising awareness of SUDC, funding public-access defibrillators and working towards a long-term vision of providing support and respite for families who have suffered the unimaginable loss of a child.

Lacey will always be at the heart of everything we do. She may have left this world far too soon, but her name continues to inspire acts of kindness, friendship and community every single day.

Butterflies have always been a symbol of hope, love and the idea that those we have lost are never truly gone. For Love of Lacey, they mean even more.

Lacey absolutely loved butterflies. To her family and the people who knew her best, she was affectionately known as “our little butterfly” – a nickname that perfectly reflected her gentle nature, beautiful smile and the happiness she brought to everyone around her.

Today, butterflies have become the heartbeat of our club. They represent Lacey’s spirit, the love that continues to surround her, and the legacy she leaves behind. They remind us that even though she is no longer with us, her influence can still be seen in every act of kindness, every friendship formed and every moment shared through Love of Lacey.

You’ll find butterflies woven throughout our identity – on our badge, our kits, our merchandise and across everything we create together. They are a constant reminder of why this club exists and of the little girl who inspires it all.

Every butterfly is, and always will be, for Lacey.

1. 2018
   Lacey is taken far too soon. Her family vow her name will never be forgotten.
2. Founded
   Love of Lacey FC is founded in Lacey's memory — a football club with a purpose beyond the game.
3. First Team formed
   The senior side comes together for its first competitive season.
4. League Cup Champions & Division Runners-Up
   In our very first season the club lifted the League Cup and finished runners-up in the division — a tremendous achievement for a brand new side, and a season Lacey would have been immensely proud of.
5. Veterans Team
   The Veterans join the club family, proving football is for everyone.
6. Looking ahead
   Youth and Women's teams — the next chapter of Lacey's legacy.

This space will hold messages shared by families, players and supporters. Contributions can be sent through the contact page and will be added respectfully.

If you have a photo or memory of Lacey you would like to share with us, please send it through our contact form. The family will review every submission.