Former footballer Marvin Brown dies aged 42, and his ex-clubs pay a heartfelt tribute while fans help raise thousands for his family.
It has been confirmed that he died from cholangiocarcinoma, following a prior colon cancer diagnosis in 2022.
Tributes highlight just how much love there was for him, with a fundraiser exceeding £63,000 for his family and a charity match planned for the 9th November.
Alexis Brown wrote via the GoFundMe page: “I can’t quite believe I am posting this and it breaks my heart to have to say that Marv passed away this morning.
“It still doesn’t feel real and we miss him so much already.
“We’ve had an absolutely amazing 26 years together and life won’t ever be the same without him but he blessed me with 2 amazing daughters who will remind me of him every day.
“Thank you to everyone who’s reached out, donated or kept us in your thoughts. Your love and support means the world to us.
“I loved you yesterday,
I love you still,
I always have,
I always will.
– Alexis”
📺Incredibly sad to hear about Marvin Brown’s diagnosis of bile duct cancer. He’s only 42. His former #BristolCity team-mate Joe Burnell has been telling me about efforts to support Marvin and his family, with a GoFundMe page and fundraising football match in November. pic.twitter.com/S9p1EKNAMM
— Alistair Durden (@alidurdenBBC) October 22, 2025
The GoFundMe page read:
Some stories break your heart and inspire you all at once.
This is one of them.
Alexis and her husband Marvin have been together since they were sixteen. Childhood sweethearts who built a life, a home, and a beautiful family together, with two daughters, aged 11 and 8, who completely adore their dad.
For years, Marv has battled multiple health challenges with unbelievable strength. Diagnosed with ulcerative colitis in his early twenties, and later with primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC), a rare, chronic liver disease, he faced each hurdle with calm, gratitude, and a quiet optimism that inspired everyone around him.
In 2022, after a routine scan, doctors discovered colon cancer, “the size of a lentil,” they said. It was caught just in time. He underwent major surgery to remove his bowel and gallbladder and to create a stoma. Most people would have broken under that weight, but not Marv. When his nurse apologised for him needing a stoma at such a young age, he simply smiled and said, “Don’t be sorry, it saved my life.” That’s who he is.
He remained determined to live fully, coaching football (his lifelong passion), running his business, being a devoted husband, and the most loving, hands on dad. Marv is a qualified A Licence football coach and still holds the record as Bristol City’s youngest ever first team player, debuting at just 16 years and 71 days.
But this summer, life took another devastating turn.
In May 2025, Marv began to feel unwell again, fatigued, restless, and in pain. After pushing for further scans, Alexis was given the news no family should ever have to hear, cholangiocarcinoma, an aggressive and rare bile duct cancer. It has since spread to his liver, lungs, and lymph nodes. Despite every fight for referrals, tests, and treatment, the consultants have now told Alexis that there is no cure, and that they are preparing to bring Marv home for end of life care.
He is just 42 years old.
Who Marv Is
Marv is the most chilled, kind hearted, quietly funny person you’ll ever meet. He believes deeply in stoicism, calm in chaos, and that strength has carried his family through every storm.
He is an incredible dad who made special handshakes with each of his daughters, a devoted husband who still made Alexis laugh every day, and the kind of person everyone roots for because he’s just so easy to love.
Even from his hospital bed, he’s joking with nurses and finding ways to bring light to the room. That’s Marv, always the calm to Alexis’s storm.
Why We’re Raising Funds
Because of Marv’s pre existing health conditions, he has never been able to secure life insurance.
He has now had to stop working, and Alexis is doing everything she can to hold their family together, working full time, caring for their daughters, and spending every spare moment at the hospital.
The funds raised here will help:
Cover funeral costs when the time comes.
Support mortgage payments and bills, giving Alexis and the girls time to breathe and adjust.
Create memory boxes for their daughters, filled with keepsakes, letters, and the love of the dad they adore.
Offer a bit of stability in a time when everything else feels uncertain.
No family should have to face this kind of heartbreak while worrying about how they’ll keep a roof over their heads.
❤️ How You Can Help
Every single donation, big or small, will make a tangible difference.
If you can’t donate, simply sharing this page helps us reach more people who can.
Let’s show Alexis and her girls that they’re not alone.
Let’s help lift some of the weight off their shoulders so they can focus on what truly matters, time together, love, and saying goodbye with peace instead of panic.
From the bottom of our hearts, thank you for reading and for caring.
—
With love,
Georgie, and the wider community supporting Alexis, Marv, and their daughters.
x
Bristol City tweeted: “We were saddened to hear of the passing of Marvin Brown aged 42.
“Marvin joined the Bristol City Academy at the age of eight and went on to become the club’s youngest player, aged just 16 years and 71 days in September 1999.
“While at the club, Marvin featured for England Under-16s and Under-17s before moving on to Forest Green Rovers in 2004.
“A proud Bristolian, Marvin founded Total Pro Soccer, a development centre for young boys in the Bristol area and worked as an Academy coach at Bristol City alongside and beyond his playing career in various roles and played a crucial role in the development of numerous Academy graduates.
“Our sincere condolences go to his family & friends.”
We were saddened to hear of the passing of Marvin Brown aged 42.
Marvin joined the Bristol City Academy at the age of eight and went on to become the club’s youngest player, aged just 16 years and 71 days in September 1999.
While at the club, Marvin featured for England… pic.twitter.com/0fyClSz3vk
— Bristol City FC (@BristolCity) October 27, 2025
Yate Town wrote on the 23rd of October: “I’m sure many of you are already aware of the deeply sad and unthinkable news about former Bristol City player, Marvin Brown.
“Marvin has recently received devastating news — he has cholangiocarcinoma, a rare and aggressive bile duct cancer that has spread. At just 42 years old, Marvin is now receiving end-of-life care.”
A statement from Yate Town Manager, Darren Mullings:
“For those who know Marvin, you’ll understand what an incredibly kind-hearted, genuine, and selfless person he is. Through his passion for football and coaching, Marvin has had a profound impact on countless players and families across the Bristol and Wiltshire communities. From his time at Bristol City Academy, Total Pro Soccer, Keynsham Town, and most recently Corsham Town, his influence and positive energy have inspired so many both on and off the pitch.
“On a personal level, Marvin has been so much more than a team mate, coach or colleague, he’s been a mentor, a role model, and a friend. He has shaped not only my journey in football, but also my professional path in education and my approach to life itself. His encouragement and example have inspired me to chase opportunities I might never have believed possible.
“This heartbreaking news has touched an entire community, but most of all, our thoughts and love are with his wife Alexis, their two beautiful daughters, and Marvin’s close family.
“Marvin’s strength, kindness, and the legacy he’s built through his compassion and commitment to others will never be forgotten.
“Below you will find links to a GoFundMe page and details for a Celebration Game and Fundraiser at Twerton Park on Sunday 9th November, with all proceeds going to support Marvin’s family.
https://www.fatsoma.com/e/82r1ieaa/marvin-brown-fundraiser-match
I’m sure many of you are already aware of the deeply sad and unthinkable news about former Bristol City player, Marvin Brown.
Marvin has recently received devastating news — he has cholangiocarcinoma, a rare and aggressive bile duct cancer that has spread. At just 42 years old,… pic.twitter.com/aFkjE5y7yD
— Yate Town F(C) (@YateTownFC) October 23, 2025
Everyone at Yeovil Town are saddened to learn of the passing of former Glovers forward Marvin Brown, aged 42. 💚
He began his career with Bristol City, where he came through the academy and represented England at youth level.
Marvin joined the Glovers in 2005 from Tamworth and… pic.twitter.com/cj5mmUHsTB
— Yeovil Town FC (@YTFC) October 27, 2025
💛🖤 Marvin Brown – Rest In Peace 💛🖤
It is with profound sadness that the Club has learned of the death of former joint manager Marvin Brown, at the age of 42.
You can read more at : https://t.co/RliZG5Godu pic.twitter.com/CTfKRKP6tO
— Keynsham Town FC (@KeynshamTownFC) October 27, 2025
Everyone at the club is saddened to hear of the passing of Marvin Brown💔
Marv joined the club in the summer of 2024 alongside friend and business partner Ashley Morgan. They took over at a very difficult time for the club but soon turned the fortunes around winning 10 games in… pic.twitter.com/QIXii2OPUn
— Corsham Town Football Club (@CorshamTownFC) October 27, 2025
Everyone at Weston-super-Mare AFC is saddened to hear the news regarding former striker Marvin Brown 😢
Marvin made 123 appearances for the club and scored 46 goals in two spells between 2005 – 2010 ⚽️
You can read Marvin’s story here and donate 🔗 https://t.co/fVUlDAecOJ pic.twitter.com/MmV15yaZmx
— Weston-super-Mare AFC (@WSM_AFCOfficial) October 17, 2025
Former footballer Marvin Brown dies aged 42, and his ex-clubs, fans, staff, former teammates, pay a heartfelt tribute while fans help raise thousands for his family…
@geoff20man: Such dreadful news. Hits like a sledgehammer. Marvin was such a likeable, modest & understated guy. A brilliant coach who helped to develop some top players. Condolences to his family, friends & anyone affected by this terribly sad news. RIP Marv – an eternal Top Man 💔 X
@Bristoldelboy2: Unbelievably sad news 😢 brilliant player and developed lots of local young talent as a coach . Fabulous person ❤️ thoughts and prayers with his young family 🙏 xxx
@jordanhallart: Very very sad, rest in peace Marvin he was a privilege to work alongside you during the summer camps for young kids when I was coaching, rest in peace mate! 😞🔴⚪️🔴
@Mcbcfc: Incredibly sad news, thoughts with his family & friends. Could we consider naming the young player of the year award after Marvin as a lasting tribute?
@cgiles23: Minutes applause in the 16th minute of our home game next Tuesday ❤️
@st10g08: Rest in peace Marv 😔 just an incredible human being. One of life’s good guys ❤️
@mw_hufc: Sad news. Worked with him and TPS a few times over the years. Had an incredibly good heart.
@Molls28: RIP Marvin. Remember him being a hero of mine when he came through. Heard so much positivity about him as a person, coach and family man. Much love and wishes to his closest ones
@philrendle: Marvin coached my son and was a lovely bloke. My thoughts go out to his family and friends. 😢
@BristolCitySCT: Thinking of Marvin’s family & friends at this difficult time
@beckysmithiam1: I send all my condolences to his family and friends at this very sad time from a Bristol Rovers fan
@JamiePayner22: From a Newcastle fan who lived in Bristol Marvin was a great player and from what I hear a great coach , will be missed , condolences go out to his family and I will stand with the city fans during the minutes applause
@eadebcfc1: This is terrible news & thoughts with all family & friends. RIP Marvin and from reading comments from those who knew you it’s clear you enhanced a number of people’s life.
@bs4_gas: Sad news this, thoughts & prayers to his family & friends at this difficult time.
@Alfiebiggs: Terrible news this, he was good little player on his day and always good when local players breakthrough. RIP
@BristolRoversSC: Sincere condolences to Marvin’s family, friends and all at @BristolCity at this sad time
@danbevan76: Such sad news. RIP Marvin. Thoughts with his family & friends (Cheltenham fan).
