THOUSANDS of pounds have been donated to the family of Micky Lewis after the Oxford United legend’s sudden death.

The Micky Lewis Memorial Fund was only set up on Monday, but by yesterday afternoon more than £12,500 had been raised.

It is the brainchild of representatives from the U’s, Oxford City, Oxford University and youth side Stonesfield Strikers – all places Lewis coached – with the aim of protecting the future of his wife Suzanne and son Zach.

Among those who set up the page was United’s chairman between 2008 and 2012, Kelvin Thomas.

Lewis was assistant manager during that period and the pair remained close friends.

PICTURES: Micky Lewis in recent years

Thomas said: “We had a tremendous amount of requests for help and there’s always a financial burden with the loss of a family member.

“I’m in the fortunate position that I can make a reasonable donation, but you’ve also got kids Micky coached wanting to donate £5.”

Lewis, who was just 56, played 351 games and was twice caretaker manager during his 27-year association with United that began when he joined from Derby County in 1988.

He endeared himself to countless people, including U’s fan and broadcaster Jim Rosenthal – who has donated £500.

The television presenter said: “Whenever Micky saw you he always had that smile on his face and a big handshake.

“He was one of those people that you were always pleased to see whenever he walked into a room.

“If there was a turning point in Oxford’s history it was getting back into the Football League (in 2010) and Micky played a big role in that.

“He was a man of Oxford.”

'One of the very best men': Remembering Micky Lewis

Ex-U’s midfielder Andy Whing, now Banbury United boss, also contributed to the fundraiser and has fond memories.

“He could coach Under 5s with exactly the same enthusiasm as an old pro like me,” the 36-year-old said.

“His mum lived around the corner from me and I’d give him a lift back from quite a few home games.

“For that hour we’d spend in the car, whatever happened in the game would be gone.”

Whing added: “Last year, I tried to get him to join me at Banbury.

“He was delighted that I asked, but said he had too many commitments and wanted to keep time for his family.”

Lewis was also head coach of City’s Velocity Football Programme and led the University men’s team for almost 20 years.

The fundraising page’s top donation of £1,430 has come from Stonesfield Strikers, where Lewis coached the Under 11s.

Chairman Paul Charles said: “It was not just that Micky was only 56 that led to such an emotional reaction.

“Whoever he met, whatever his role was in football, he made time for everyone.

“Micky was a one-off.

“Genuine, kind, a brilliant coach and someone whose enthusiasm lit up any room.”

You can donate to the fundraiser here