Football match is a celebration of tragic mum’s life
More than 800 people turned out to a charity football match in honour of a much-loved mum who died from cancer last week.
Tania Mackelden had been hoping to be in the crowd for the fundraiser at the Gallagher Stadium on Monday, organised by her son Tom.
It came four years to the day she received her first diagnosis.
But instead loved ones gathered to remember the 48-yearold, described as the “bravest, strongest, most amazing lady”, with tributes read by her heartbroken family followed by a balloon release.
The hairdresser, from Greenhill in Staplehurst, died in the early hours of Friday morning, after a long battle with cancer.
She leaves behind husband Lee, and children Chloe and Tom.
Her son, 19, said: “It felt like she was never meant to be at the game – like it was always meant to be a memorial match and a celebration of her life.
“When I walked out and looked at the stand which was jam packed – it was surreal. I couldn’t believe it. It brought me to tears.
“I haven’t just lost a mum, I’ve lost my best friend. I’ll remember her as the life of the party.”
Early in the new year, Mrs Mackelden was told she had just months to live after it emerged the disease had spread to her liver, rib cage, bone marrow, spine and brain.
On receiving the shock news, former Maidstone United academy player Mr Mackelden had arranged for a game to be held in honour of his football mad mum at the ground in James Whatman Way, where she regularly came to watch him.
He said he wanted to use it to support her in her battle, while also raising money for Cancer Research UK.
The clash saw a team of family friends called Mackelden’s XI take on Tom’s former teammates, and while the funds raised from the game itself are still being counted, the total is nearing £8,000.
He will also be running the London Marathon in April.
Mr Mackelden said: “My mum was a fighter and I’ll carry on raising money to make her proud.”
To donate visit tinyurl.com/ matchKM.