Footballer Tom to hold charity match in memory of mum

A young man is holding a charity football match in memory of his beloved mum, a year on from her death, in a bid to raise £25,000 for Cancer Research UK.

Tania Mackelden, from Staplehurst, died in February 2017, aged 48, after cancer spread to her liver, rib cage, bone marrow, spine, and brain.

Her battle inspired her teenage son, Tom, to organise a match at Maidstone’s Gallagher Stadium last year, where more than 800 people turned out in support and to raise crucial money for the charity.

Mrs Mackelden was supposed to be in the stands, but died just days before it went ahead.

A year on and Mr Mackelden, now 20, is looking to repeat the event to mark the first anniversary of her death, and try to reach his fundraising target of £25,000.

He has so far collected nearly £ 20,000 through last year’s match, running the London Marathon, a charity ball and a golf day.

Mr Mackelden, who lives in Greenhill and works as a life-

‘The last year has certainly been life-changing because I lost her at a very young age’

guard in Cranbrook, said: “The last year has certainly been lifechanging because I lost her at a very young age and it’s something that will always stick with me.

“However, it’s made me a lot stronger because I think if I can get through that, I can take on anything, and I’m pretty proud of how much I’ve raised.

“She said to me before she died ‘whatever you do, I will be watching and I will be so proud’.”

Before last year’s match, the family read tributes to the popular hairdresser, followed by a balloon release – something Mr Mackelden says he wants to feature again.

The former Maidstone United academy player admits he has been overwhelmed with messages from more than 80 people asking to take part in the fixture at the James Whatman Way ground, where his mother regularly came to watch him play. He is also preparing to run the London Marathon for a second time this April.

Kick-off is at 7.30pm on Friday, February 16, entry £5 on the gate. A raffle and auction will take place afterwards.

Picture: Andy Jones FM4663575/ Picture: Simon Hildrew FM4675566 Tom Mackleden with his mum Tania, who died last year; last year Tom organised a charity football match between Mackelden’s XI and Maidstone United academy players which included a balloon release in tribute to his mum

Picture: Simon Hildrew FM4675599 Tom is organising another memorial game after the success of last year’s match between a team made up of family and friends and Maidstone academy players