Lancashire tycoon, Trevor Hemmings, passes away, aged 86
Football club owner, horse racing enthusiast and property magnate, Trevor Hemmings, has died, aged 86.
Preston North End FC, which Mr Hemmings bought a controlling stake in, in 2010, announced that he passed away last night (October 11).
A club statement said: “Preston North End Football Club can sadly confirm the devastating news that its owner Trevor Hemmings CVO has passed away this evening 11th October 2021.
“A further statement will be made in the coming days but in the meantime his family would ask that their privacy be respected at this difficult time.”
The club tweeted today that a minute’s silence will be held in tribute to Mr Hemmings this afternoon ahead of its Lancashire Senior Cup tie against Rochdale.
It said both teams will also wear black armbands.
Champion jockey AP McCoy tweeted his own tribute, saying: “Desperately sad news that Trevor Hemmings has died. I’m very proud to have worn his iconic colours on many wonderful days. He was a great friend to many but a greater friend to our sport and that of his beloved @pnefc thoughts with all his family & friends.”
Billionaire Mr Hemmings, who had an estimated wealth of £1.1bn, rescued Preston North End by acquiring a 51% stake in the club to save it from collapse following a winding up petition by HM Revenue and Customs.
Born in Woolwich, London, Mr Hemmings was raised in Leyland, near Preston.
Alongside his love of football he was also a major figure in National Hunt racing, and was the owner of three Grand National winners, starting in 2005 with Hedgehunter, followed in 2011 with Ballabriggs, and in 2015 when Many Clouds was victorious.
He also controlled the Chorley-based Northern Trust Group – established in 1962, and boasting a successful track record in property investment, development and strategic land promotion – and once owned Blackpool Tower and the holiday camp chain Pontins.
In the year to March 31, 2021, Northern Trust Group posted turnover of £59.3m and a pre-tax profit of £101m, after an investment property revaluation of £73.2m.
Mr Hemmings was also renowned for his charitable donations, providing funds for Preston’s Sexual Assault Forensic Examination Centre to help victims of sexual violence as well as the Princess Royal’s Trust for Carers, the Red Cross and Samaritans.
He is survived by his wife, Eve, and their four children.
