Tributes to Ipswich Town supporter and music fan Tom Tomalin

If you are a regular at Portman Road, the chances are that you would have seen Tom Tomalin, who would often be amongst the crowds, excitedly cheering on Ipswich Town at every chance he got.

However, people may be surprised to learn that Tom was not actually an Ipswich boy but London born and bred.

In fact, Tom would travel down for each match from his home in Richmond, and had done so since the 1980s.

“Tom was at a primary school for children with disabilities, and he made friends with a little girl called Yasmin,” explained Tom’s sister, Emily.

Yasmin’s family were Ipswich supporters, which is how Tom came to know and love the Tractor Boys. 

Forty-five years later, and his loyalty has not wavered.

“I can see why, because clearly the club is welcoming to people with challenges,” said Emily. “So, Tom carried on supporting them.”

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Tom arrived in the world on August 22, 1970, the youngest child born to journalists Claire and Nicholas Tomalin. Tom joined sisters Emily, Josephine and Susanna, completing the family.

Emily said that as a child, Tom was very sweet. (Image: Emily Tomalin) Tom pictured during his primary school days. (Image: Emily Tomalin) Tom was born with severe spina bifida and required lifesaving surgery at birth.

As a newborn, he remained in intensive care for almost three weeks, and Emily remembers being introduced to her baby brother as he lay in an incubator.

Tom was not able to walk and used a wheelchair. However, despite his difficulties, he always had a taste for adventure and an independent spirit. 

“Tom was very unique, very determined,” said Emily. “There was nobody else quite like him.”

Life was not always easy for the Tomalins. In 1973, when Tom was three, the children’s father, Nicholas, was killed by a Syrian missile when reporting from Israel on the Yom Kippur war.

Claire was left to raise her children alone, whilst balancing her career as a journalist and author.

However, Emily said her siblings shared many happy memories of their childhood.

Their grandfather lived in France, and she recalls teaching Tom to swim. Tom developed a love of continental cuisine and was later very proud to obtain an A-level in French.

Tom was also fascinated by trains. With a helper named Martin, he would travel around London visiting all the stations, and loved nothing better than planning the route for a new destination. 

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Tom pictured beside former Ipswich Town player, Tyrone Mings. (Image: Emily Tomalin) Tom pictured enjoying a match, beside friend Linda Clarke-Irons. (Image: Emily Tomalin) Tom was also an ardent music lover with eclectic tastes, ranging from contemporary pop to the English jazz-funk band Level 42.

Around six years ago, Tom inherited money from his uncle, who had died in France. 

While his siblings’ inheritance was taxed at 80%, Tom was able to inherit his share in full because this aspect of French law did not apply to people with disabilities.

Tom used his newfound wealth to travel the country on the Little Mix UK tour, treating himself to stays in fancy hotels and attending every gig.

A proud Tom pictured beside Perrie Edwards from Little Mix. (Image: Emily Tomalin) Tom had an independent spirit and a taste for adventure. (Image: Emily Tomalin) Tom also continued to travel to Portman Road to watch Ipswich play, even when his health declined in his later years.

Despite his poor health, Tom was in the crowds when Ipswich was promoted to the Premier League, and remained for the unforgettable bus parade through town the following day.

Tom leaves behind many friends in the town, from those he met during games to the countless taxi drivers he got to know, who could be relied upon to come to his rescue when needed.

“I’m sure if he could, Tom would send huge love to everyone in Ipswich,” said Emily.

Tom Tomalin died on October 25, aged 54.