Memorial service held for top coach

Dubai: A memorial service has been held in Dubai for popular sports coach David Nicholson, who passed away on January 29 after suffering a heart attack last November.

About 150 people, including dozens of parents and children, gathered at the Horizon School near Safa Park to pay tribute to the 68-year-old trainer. About Dh207,900 was raised over the last three months, taking care of his medical bills and repatriation to the UK.

David, who taught thousands of youngsters across the UAE how to swim and play football, had been on life support at the International Modern Hospital in Bur Dubai for two months before being flown home on January 21. He died at Bath Hospital in England with his daughter Heather by his side.

Tony Nicholson, David's son, gave a poignant tribute at the service when he said: "I thought the service was very profound; the sense of love ... was breathtaking. When I was at the podium I could see that everybody had been touched by my father in some way ... I am also in credibly humbled by the support and love in the community for my dad."