This coming weekend, a Gillingham fan will fly in from New York to attend the game at Coventry in the memory of his cousin.

Thirty two year old Mark Thornewell will make the 7,000 mile round trip from the United States to see his beloved Gillingham and will do so to pay his respects to his cousin Andrew Thornewell who tragically died in a car accident in February.

The pair often went to watch The Gills together when Mark lived in Kent, but since he moved to America, their trips to watch their favourite football team became a rare treat.

The reason the Coventry City vs Gillingham is such a meaningful fixture for Mark is because he flew over for the game between the two sides last September and it sadly turned out to be the last time he saw his first cousin Andrew.

Andrew was tragically killed in a car accident this past February aged just 28. He lived in Ely, Cambridgeshire and was due to get married in May of this year.

Mark and Andrew were very close and went all over the country to watch their mighty Gills play. After last season’s game which was their return to Coventry with a huge crowd, Mark said goodbye to his cousin and expected to see him for his wedding but it was not to be.

Having seen that the 3-1 win over Bury sent Gillingham back to the top of League One, Mark decided he’d make the long trip back to see his side play and explained how last minute the decision has been:

“After Saturday’s results I decided to get crazy and book a flight to London for this Thursday and travel up on Saturday with some of my family including Andrew’s Dad, Paul.”

“I am sure my American wife and her family think I am mad, but they know how much the Gills mean to me and the meaning of the Coventry away fixture.”

“I guess it was just meant to be that this encounter which I looked for as soon as the fixture list came out would have such a big importance. I just had to find a way to make the trip over.”

“My boss gave me a day off which was nice! I will try to do similar things to last time such as a pre-game meal at the Frankie and Bennys by Coventry’s stadium to remember the fun night we had together.”

“Just over a year on from our last trip to Coventry it is amazing that the teams are now locked together at the top of table considering it was more of a relegation battle last September.”

“Andy always talked about how it seemed every Gills game had drama in injury time and this season is producing more late goals than ever! He would always tell me to keep the faith and wait for the 90th minute!”

“It will certainly be an emotional day for me on Saturday with so many thoughts of Andy going through my head. Maybe the Gills will score a trademark injury time winner for him and I will fly back to New York with a big smile on my face!”

“The last goal Andy saw with his Dad, Paul was the wonder strike by Luke Norris at Sheffield United last season which ended up winning the goal of the year. Another amazingly meaningful event.”

“Soon after the tragic accident my whole family attended a home game against Colchester and the Gills players came over to us in the Medway Stand and all applauded our Super Gills banner.”

“Such a special and emotional moment. A fine example of what a terrific family club Gillingham is.”