One year ago today, the West Ham United family was left heartbroken by the tragic loss of Ladies midfielder Katie Sheppard
One year ago today, the West Ham United family was left heartbroken by the tragic loss of Ladies midfielder Katie Sheppard.
Sheppard, who was a highly-rated prospect within Ladies football, died suddenly after battling depression and has been sorely missed over the past year by all that knew her.
As a young Irons fan, Katie dreamed of pulling on the claret and blue kit and representing the club one day after following her heroes around the country as a West Ham season ticket holder.
While representing Charlton Reserves, Sheppard was offered the chance to head to the USA and play for Boston side Mass Premier Soccer Lady Crusaders aged just 16, whilst also spending a week in Florida playing for FC America.
After returning back to England and taking the plunge to join the Hammers, Sheppard spoke of her delight at finally joining West Ham, saying that: “To be here now is just amazing! It is simply the best! I am lost for words, which makes a change.”
During the 2014/15 season, both West Ham and Charlton remembered Sheppard with a number of tributes before kick-off at both First Team and Development Squad level, ending with Hammers skipper Stacey Little and Addicks captain Kim Dixson laying down shirts bearing Katie’s name before May’s Capital Women’s Cup Final.
Everyone at West Ham United FC would like to send their thoughts to Katie’s friends and family as they remember their beloved daughter, sister and friend.
Sheppard, who was a highly-rated prospect within Ladies football, died suddenly after battling depression and has been sorely missed over the past year by all that knew her.
As a young Irons fan, Katie dreamed of pulling on the claret and blue kit and representing the club one day after following her heroes around the country as a West Ham season ticket holder.
While representing Charlton Reserves, Sheppard was offered the chance to head to the USA and play for Boston side Mass Premier Soccer Lady Crusaders aged just 16, whilst also spending a week in Florida playing for FC America.
After returning back to England and taking the plunge to join the Hammers, Sheppard spoke of her delight at finally joining West Ham, saying that: “To be here now is just amazing! It is simply the best! I am lost for words, which makes a change.”
During the 2014/15 season, both West Ham and Charlton remembered Sheppard with a number of tributes before kick-off at both First Team and Development Squad level, ending with Hammers skipper Stacey Little and Addicks captain Kim Dixson laying down shirts bearing Katie’s name before May’s Capital Women’s Cup Final.
Everyone at West Ham United FC would like to send their thoughts to Katie’s friends and family as they remember their beloved daughter, sister and friend.