Match raises over £300 in memory of teenager
A BOXING Day football match in memory of Cynon Valley teenager Chloe Christopher has raised more than £300 for charity.
Friends and family remembered Chloe Christopher, 17, from Cwmaman, with a charity football match in Abercwmboi for the UK Sepsis Trust.
The former Blaengwawr Comprehensive School student died on New Year’s Eve in 2014 from sepsis.
On Monday, FC Abercwmboi beat Cwmwman FC 2-0 and were the first winners of the Chloe Christopher Memorial Trophy.
It is hoped that the fixture will be played annually from now on, with the game being played in Cwmaman next year.
Members of Chloe’s family played in the match including her brother Kurt, her father Philip, her uncle Daniel, as well as Ryan Griffiths and Christopher Rood. Some of Chloe’s friends also went to support the teams.
Since Chloe died, her mother Michelle Christopher has led a fundraising campaign for the UK Sepsis Trust which is also raising awareness about the signs of sepsis – and the match raised £330 towards that cause.
Michelle said: “It was a lovely day - and emotion- al at times. “The weather was with us, and we managed to raise £330 for the UK Sepsis Trust.
“There was a good crowd there who came to show their support and pay their respects to Chloe. A big thank you to Abercwmboi and Cwmaman for taking part, and to Abercwmboi manager Anthony Jenkins who was the main man in organising it.
“Hopefully now it will become an annual event, with it being hosted by Cwmaman next year weather permitting.”
Following on from the match, two of Chloe’s best friends Casey Jones and Sadie Davies will be taking part in the Nos Galan on New Year’s Eve.
It will be the first time they’ve run in the Mountain Ash event, and they have already raised £600 for charity in Chloe’s memory.