Wanderers: Aria Gilford's family left with "goosebumps" after clap

Fans of both Fleetwood Town and Bolton Wanderers joined together at the League One clash.

On the fifth minute of the match, fans of both sides clapped to honour Aria Marie Gilford, who passed away last week aged only five.

A Wanderers fan, Aria tragically died following an asthma attack, which stopped her heart, on August 9.

Aria with her brother, Oliver (Image: Brandon Gilford)

Her father, Brandon Gilford, said: "It was absolutely terrific to see everyone come together, even the away fans were brilliant. It was very special.

"It just gave me goosebumps, it was the most heartwarming thing I have seen.

"It puts your faith back into humanity." 

Aria loved Wanderers' mascot Lofty the Lion and had attended over a dozen home games. 

Aria Marie Gilford (Image: Brandon Gilford)

Many members of her family attended the match, including her mother, step-mother, uncle, aunties and her grandfather, despite most of them not usually attending Wanderers matches.

The family have also received messages of support from strangers online since Aria's death. 

Brandon added: "People are fundraising, and I want to show my face to as many as possible, for the people who are doing what they can to raise money for a send off." 

Fundraisers include an event at the Mosley Arms in Breightmet with bingo and a cake sale, and a five-a-side tournament being organised by one of Brandon's workmates. 

Aria Marie Gilford (Image: Brandon Gilford)

One fan who was present at the match said: “It was a lovely moment when all the fans started to clap after five minutes of the game.

“The applause got louder as the minute went on, and lots of people stood up in memory of Aria.

“I was at the match with my five-year-old son and it made me so sad to think of a family losing their daughter at the same age.

“My heart goes out to Aria’s family.” 

To support the fundraiser visit  https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/aria-gilford?utm_term