Cody Fisher's mother says her "life sentence" began on the day he was killed
Cody Fisher, 23, was stabbed on the dance floor of Crane nightclub in Digbeth on Boxing Day.
Last updated 16th Feb 2024
The mother of footballer Cody Fisher, who was stabbed to death whilst on a night out with friends in Birmingham, has described the pain of losing her son as a "life sentence."
The family of 23-year-old Mr Fisher were among the crowd at his team Stratford Town's match on Saturday, where a number of tributes were paid to the 23-year-old.
Tracey Fisher described her son as her "best friend" who she'd lost "too soon."
"He was just an amazing, amazing baby, child, lad - as he grew. It's just beyond words and beyond cruel.
"I waved him off on Boxing Day as I always did, as he laughed and said 'Mom, you'll be doing this until I'm whatever age' and I said 'yes forever'".
"And to wave him off on Boxing Day, when normally he would have been playing football. He was injured, and he was due to have surgery this month.
"So generally he would always have been playing on Boxing Day and we'd all be there watching him, and New Years Day. I think that's even worse, it's so hard that that would never have been the case."
"The purest, purest soul, just the purest soul - just my absolute angel.
"His work ethic was just second to none, and just so, so talented."
Mr Fisher worked at a number of schools as a sports coach. A group of children from one of those schools, St Gregory's Catholic Primary School, carried his number 23 jersey, which has been retired, onto the pitch.
A minute silence was observed ahead of kick-off and play was then paused in the 23rd minute for a moment's applause.
Stratford Town FC has officially launched a community fund, named Cody 23, in honour of Mr Fisher. It will help support young people to gain qualifications in football coaching and refereeing.
"I'm so grateful to Jed and the club. I'm just so proud. So, so proud that he was such an inspiration to so many people," Tracey added.
Cody's father, Chris Fisher said he'd been left "broken" by his son's death, and paid tribute to his friends and fellow players.
Danny Norman, Cody's uncle, said: "He'd be looking down now, and he'd be so happy and so proud. I think this is the best tribute that could have happened for him, it's been fantastic.
"Cody was that sort of lad, that he wouldn't want anyone to be unhappy about things. He'd always want to put a smile on people's faces, he had the cheekiest smile."
Two men, Kami Carpenter, 21, and Remy Gordon, 22, have been charged with Mr Fisher's murder. They are set to stand trial in July.
The Crane nightclub, where Mr Fisher was stabbed, has had its licence suspended for 28 days.