Family lead memorial tributes to West Midlands trainee firefighter and kick boxing champ
Heartfelt tributes for West Midlands Fire Service trainee and ex-kickboxer Jacob McBride who died
“I’m so proud to call Jacob my son. The imprint he made will last forever, the world is a much darker place without his infectious smile and heart of gold”, says the mother of a trainee firefighter who has died aged 23.
The family of a West Midlands Fire Service trainee and former kickboxing champion Jacob McBride have been leading heartfelt memorial tributes - as an online fundraising appeal nears its target. The brigade was also due to launch an online book of condolence in his memory.
Jacob was based at Walsall fire station and a multiple gold medal-winning martial arts competitor representing England, a kickboxing instructor and a volunteer with St John Ambulance. He passed away unexpectedly on August 15.
His devastated family said popular Jacob, from Kings Norton, Birmingham, had devoted his life to helping others and was dearly missed.
His mother Sarah told the Express & Star: “I’m so proud to call Jacob my son. The imprint he made will last forever. The world is a much darker place without his infectious smile and heart of gold, jacob is missed every second of every day.”
While his brother Oisin added: “He will be remembered by his only brother who loved him dearly and very proud of every one of his achievements. There wasn't single person who didn’t mention my brother whenever I spoke to them.”
Jacob, an Aston Villa fan, trained with Birmingham and Weoley Castle’s Shotokan Karate gym, TMA and WKU kick boxing. He had attended the city’s St Thomas Aquinas Catholic High School.
A Go Fund Me appeal by Angel Sheppard has almost reached the £6,000 mark and stated: “Jacob’s passing has been an immense shock to us all, and this fundraiser was created to support the family through an incredibly difficult time.
“ Any funds that remain unused will be donated to a charity.”
Wellwishers attending his funeral due to be held in Birmingham next week will be wearing Villa shirts, or the gold, green and black Jamaica flag colours, or martial arts clothing, or the St John Ambulance uniform.
In 2018 he won two gold medals and a bronze at the WKU (World Karate & Kickboxing Union) Internationals in Greece. And founded JJ Martial Arts studio in Birmingham to inspire others.
The inquest has been opened and adjourned at Birmingham & Solihull Coroner's Court.
The online appeal has so far raised almost £6,000. To donate see the webpage.
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