'Heartfelt sympathies' - Tributes after Karen Jones, mother of Bolton defender Gethin, dies aged 56

The mother of Bolton Wanderers defender Gethin Jones, Karen, has lost her fight with motor neurone disease (MND) and passed away at the age of 56.

Karen, much-loved former midwife, died on Sunday after she had been diagnosed with MND last July, a condition for which there is currently no cure.

She had been undergoing treatment and a drug trial in the United States as part of her battle against MND.

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Karen leaves behind Wanderers vice-captain and sons Gethin and Dylan, daughter Ela and husband Gareth.

Wanderers hosted a special fund-raising fixture and dinner last November to help pay for some of the costs and care involved, with former Whites’ manager Sam Allardyce leading a team of club legends against Ian Evatt’s current line-up.

Bolton chairman Sharon Brittan led Wanderers’ response to the Jones’ family appeal, which also contributed funds to the Darby Rimmer Foundation – jointly set up by former Wanderers’ player Stephen Darby – which helps finance research into MND.

Brittan has led the tributes to Karen, saying: "I was deeply saddened to learn that Karen passed away on Sunday.

“Whilst I only knew her for a short time, she touched my soul and was clearly the heartbeat of her beautiful family.

“Karen was a wonderful mother to her amazing children whom she adored, loving wife and loyal friend to all who knew her.

“Our heartfelt sympathies go to Gareth, Gethin, Dylan, Ela and all the family. May God look after her and she rest in eternal peace.”

Wanderers vice-captain Jones launched and helped coordinate the fund-raising effort and front the appeal to support his mum.

The 26-year-old was recently made vice-captain