Statement from the Carlisle United Supporters Club London Branch It was with great sadness that the London Branch learned this week that our founder, Mike Houghton, passed away at a care home in his hometown of Whitehaven. We were also very sad to hear of the passing of David Leitch who formed the Barrow National Supporters Club in London a couple of years after the London Branch. LB member, Malcolm Fawcett, attended the first meeting of the branch 52 years ago and became the first treasurer of both the London Branch and the Barrow National Supporters Club. Malcolm said from his home in Texas “ Mike was the true founder of the London Branch, and every member owes him a huge debt of gratitude. While others thought of the possibility of starting a branch, Mike acted and was its early driving force becoming the first Chairman.” He also said of David Leitch “The saddest thing is that Dave passed away just days before he was due to be presented with an award from Barrow AFC marking the 50th Anniversary of the formation of the Barrow National Supporters’ Club and while no member could ever underestimate the time and effort he made in keeping the Supporters’ Club and Football Club afloat, I’m not sure whether those living in Barrow necessarily had the same appreciation of Dave’s hard work.” The London Branch, from the small beginnings of 6-7 Carlisle fans in the Finborough Arms in November 1974, is now a thriving group of nearly 400 members throughout the UK and the world thanks to Mike Houghton (and Malcolm Fawcett). Thank you and RIP to Mike Houghton and, also to David Leitch. You can read Malcolm Fawcett's words here carlislelondonbranch.org/fon… @officialcufc @joncolman @CUFC_SLO @bbccumbriasport @BarrowAFC