Willy Bull, a senior sub-editor on the Daily Mail sports desk, has died at the age of 41.
Willy joined SportsMail in London in 1988. He started his career on the Milton Keynes Express before moving to the Harrow Observer.
At SportsMail he rose through the ranks to become a vital part of the production team, often filling the role of chief sub. He was also a significant figure on The Mail on Sunday’s sports desk on Saturdays.
Despite being diagnosed with a serious kidney disorder requiring several major operations, Willy showed true professionalism. He often headed, without complaint, to St Mary’s Hospital in Paddington before or after work.
His trials sharpened an already wicked sense of humour and more than once he was seen to leave some of Fleet Street’s finest bereft of words after a particularly honest observation, delivered in deadpan fashion but with a mischievous glint in his eyes.
SportsMail’s Colin Gibson, said: "In the midst of this tragic loss for our department, the greatest comfort we can draw upon is that we were fortunate to work with one of the bravest, most talented journalists in the industry. He was also one of the nicest men you could ever wish to meet."
Jonny Hunn
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