Dear friends, family, and community members,

My name is Chris Ogden, and I’m reaching out with a heavy heart to ask for your support for the family of a dear friend, Billy Deakin, who tragically passed away at just 38 years old in a motorcycle accident on Monday evening. Billy was a passionate and keen biker, whose love for the open road was matched only by his unwavering dedication to his family. His sudden loss has left an immense void in the lives of those who knew him, and we want to rally together to ease the burden on his loved ones during this unimaginable time.

Billy met his wife, Leanne, through family connections in 2009, and their bond quickly grew into a beautiful partnership. They were married on July 5, 2014, at Ward Green Baptist Church, surrounded by the warmth of their community. Together, they built a close-knit family, raising six wonderful children: McKenzie, Sophi, Jasmyn, Jacob, Millie, and Shay. When Billy married Leanne, he also became a loving stepfather to Alec and Abbi, embracing them fully into the family fold. This blended family of eight children was the center of Billy’s world—he poured his heart into being a devoted husband and father.

Life with the Deakins was full of joy and shared adventures. Summers were spent caravanning on family holidays, creating cherished memories under the sun. Winters revolved around the kids’ footballing passions, with the household buzzing as Leanne and Billy juggled schedules to support their children’s dreams on the pitch. I’ve had the privilege of coaching some of Leanne and Billy’s kids from a young age, watching them grow into talented young athletes. Sophi has been a standout in the Barnsley Ladies Under 15 girls team since she was just 9 years old. Her performances on the pitch . Have lead to her being selected to play District Football . & represent the Barnsley & District Schools Football Association. Jacob has shone in the Barnsley Juniors Under 10 Blue squad for the past few years, and Jasmyn proudly plays for the Redfearns U13 Girls team. Billy was a familiar face on the sidelines, cheering them on with endless pride and encouragement. His presence brought energy and support to every game, and he’ll be deeply missed by his children, their teammates, and everyone in the local football community.

But beyond the happy times, this tragedy has cast a profound shadow over the family Billy leaves behind. As the sole financial provider for the household, Billy worked tirelessly to ensure his family had stability and security. Leanne devoted her days to running the home and nurturing their eight children, creating a loving environment that kept everyone grounded and thriving. Now, with Billy gone, the family faces not only overwhelming grief but also significant financial strain. Everyday expenses, funeral costs, and the ongoing needs of raising a large, active family— including supporting the kids’ football activities and maintaining their home—will become an even greater challenge without Billy’s income. The emotional toll of losing their rock is already immense, and this added pressure could make their path forward feel insurmountable. Your help could provide crucial relief, allowing Leanne and the children to focus on healing and honoring Billy’s memory without the immediate weight of financial worries.

Any contribution, no matter how small, will make a real difference in helping the Deakin family navigate this heartbreaking loss. Whether it’s covering immediate needs or offering long-term support, every pound raised will go directly to Leanne and the kids. If you can’t donate, please share this campaign far and wide—your thoughts, prayers, and shares mean the world.

Thank you from the bottom of my heart for standing with us in Billy’s memory. He was a kind, vibrant soul who touched so many lives, and together, we can show his family the same love he always gave so freely.

With gratitude,

Chris Ogden