A CROWDFUNDING appeal have been set up for an Urmston dad-of-three who has died from a rare condition.

In January of this year, Robert Wood was placed on the liver transplant list.

The 34-year-old was born with Glycogen Storage Disease, a condition that needs to be carefully managed but he tragically died on September 28 from liver failure.

Glycogen Storage Disease also known as GSD3a or Cori Disease is a rare genetic condition that affects the way the body stores sugars, resulting in liver damage and physical disability.

Only a handful of people in the UK have this condition and Robert was under the care of several hospitals in Manchester, London and Birmingham.

When COVID-19 spread throughout the UK, Robert’s appointments were postponed or carried out by phone and his health deteriorated and he experienced acute pain near his liver.

The absence of face-to-face appointments with his specialists meant that health professional didn’t initially recognise his symptoms were connected to this illness.

The devoted husband, fundraiser leaves behind his wife 34-year-old Jennifer, 19-month-old twins Freddie and Archie and six-year-old Caitlin.

Emily Peasgood, Jennifer’s elder sister, is launching an appeal

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for donations to help the newly bereaved family who are under extreme financial pressure and raise money for the children's future.

Emily said: “Rob was a brilliant person who looked after people all of his life.

"He did everything for people - whatever it took. I always remember him being so keen to help ad make others lives better. I will miss him

"Robert could not get life insurance because of his health condition.They do not have a lot of money and Jenny does not want the children to struggle. The twins were only born last year. Jennifer is unable to grieve because she is so worried about money. She just needs a breathing space”.

Robert Wood spent his life caring for and helping others.

He joined St John's Ambulance Brigade aged 6 and went on to join the British Red Cross where as a teenager he was awarded the Red Cross First Aid Shield. During his career at Manchester United he also served as first aider.

In 1998, John Major presented Rob with a ‘Child of Achievement’ award for the bravery and determination he showed to get the most out of life and to reach his full potential.

He went to train as a ChildLine mentor to address bullying in schools and at aged 17 raised money for Children in Need by playing 18 holes of golf dressed as Pudsey Bear. When he was 21, he landed his dream job at Manchester United and he worked at the football club for 13 years again looking after the needs of others, in this case the sponsors and VIPs in his role on the Executive Club team.

Emily, who lives in Kent, added: "During his funeral procession, it was clear how many people loved him. As the coffin passed Manchester United’s Football Ground, the streets were lined with people clapping. After his family, his biggest love was Manchester United.

"Rob spent his life helping and caring for others. It is perhaps an irony that the people closest to him need a bit of help now that he’s gone. It’s not in Jennifer’s nature to ask for help but she really does need it, so I am asking for her. I’m hoping to raise £5,000 for the family to contribute towards the children’s future. They are devastated and shocked by Rob’s early death”.

n To donate to the cause visit: https://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/young-family-loses-father-in-tragic-loss