The mother of a young Sheffield United fan, who was the beneficiary of George Baldock's generosity has paid tribute to the former Blades star following his tragic death.
Baldock was found dead in a swimming pool in his suburban Athenian villa on Wednesday. The former Premier League defender had moved to Panathinaikos this summer after enjoying seven successful season at Bramall Lane, where he won two promotions to the top-flight.
During his time with the Blades, Baldock purchased a defibrillator for a seven-year-old fan, Harvey Smith, who had been diagnosed with a faulty heart valve. The tale of the Baldock's generosity was revealed by his mother Marie Purdy, who explained how their family sought funding for the lifesaving equipment which would allow Harvey to continue playing football.
'Out of the blue we got an email from Sheffield United saying that they'd like to help and could Harvey come to the club.' Purdy told BBC Radio Sheffield.
'My partner came back with my son absolutely gobsmacked, they'd gone on the pitch, had a tour round as much as they could do with the [covid] restrictions and behind some seats came Sander Berge and George Baldock.
Former Sheffield United defender George Baldock died on Wednesday aged 31 after drowning in his pool
— Football Heaven (@footballheaven) October 10, 2024Sheffield United fan Marie Purdy’s son Harvey Smith was diagnosed with a faulty heart valve when he was seven
George Baldock used his own money to buy him a defibrillator so he could feel safe & confident to keep playing football
❤️ What a story this is #SUFC | @BBCSheffield pic.twitter.com/o3FvxC6lOm
The scene where former Sheffield United defender George Baldock was found dead in his swimming pool in Athens, Greece
Baldock was living in this property in the Greek capital after a move to club giant Panathinaikos
'Basically George said, this has got nothing to do with the club but I want to buy you a defib, I want to help. This was coming out of George's own money, he didn't want any recognition for it, didn't want any publicity.
'It was a gift to Harvey so that he could continue to play football and give us peace of mind because as a parent I'm worried sick whenever Harvey is playing football now.'
Baldock's untimely death has shocked the world of football. Tributes poured in from his former clubs and team-mates, who shared their devastation at the news.
On Friday, Baldock's family released a statement, revealing the footballer was due to fly home to celebrate his son's first birthday, but how they now 'mourn his loss'.
They said 'you were the most special father, fiancé, son, brother, uncle, friend, teammate and person.
'Your enthusiasm and infectious personality brought so much love to those that were fortunate enough to know you and those that adored you from the stands'.
The family went on to say 'it was impossible not to love him', as they asked members of the public for privacy at this 'devastating time'.
Baldock trained on the day he died and his teammates and team staff gathered outside the villa where he was found dead yesterday
Baldock had played for his new club Panathinakos on Sunday against fierce rivals Olympiacos and the game had ended in a 0-0 draw with the former Premier League played subbed off in the 75th minute.
It is known that he trained as usual with his team on Wednesday and then drove 13 miles from the session to his rented ground floor 15,000 Euro a month apartment in the upmarket Athens suburb of Glyfada.
Police say that his partner had contacted the property manager – identified as Andreas Vlachopoulos – who went to the property and found Baldock lifeless in the swimming pool with the owners.
Ahead of Greece's 2-1 win over England at Wembley on Thursday night, captain Anastasios Bakaseta delivered a moving speech in honour of late team-mate, who earned 12 caps for the nation after qualifying through his grandmother.
'We know very well what a team we are and what we have achieved to get here,' Bakaseta told his team-mates.
'We have nothing to fear from anyone and we are going to show it from the first minute. We know the specificity of the game, many of us know what George means.
'George has always been an example for the team, giving his soul, putting the team above all and even sacrificing his physical integrity.
Baldock featured 12 times for Greece after qualifying to play through through his grandmother
'Today in the game will be our example. Each of us will sacrifice ourselves to honour him as he deserves. Let's all be ready.'
During his time in south Yorkshire, Baldock would routinely ask about the young he had helped whenever he would run into Purdy. She recalled her last encounter with him before he left the Blades in the summer, when she showed him a video of Harvey - able to continue with his favourite pastime - scoring the winning penalty for his junior side.
'He was overwhelmed, he was so happy and I said "it's because of you, he probably wouldn't have stuck to it because it made him anxious playing football". He was such a nice person and just heartbreaking that we've lost him.'