He collapsed in my arms and never regained consciousnes
There will be a charity football match in Maidstone tomorrow (Friday) in memory of Joe Markiewicz.
Joe, who was only 16, died suddenly last September from a brain haemorrhage.
His mum Stephanie Markiewicz said there had been no warning.
She said: “He was fine. He came home from school as normal, had his dinner and then suddenly at 6.20pm he collapsed in my arms and never regained consciousness.”
Joe was flown to Kings College Hospital by the Kent, Surrey and Sussex Air Ambulance. Mrs Markiewicz, from Upper Fant Road, Maidstone, said: “They kept him in a medical coma long enough for us to arrive to say our goodbyes and then he died.”
Joe was a keen sportsman and an ardent fan of Maidstone United.
He had played football himself since the age of six, first for the Barming Youth team and more recently for the sixth-form team at Aylesford School.
He also enjoyed cricket and was a member of the Mote Colts Cricket Club.
His mum added: “Joe was mad about sports. He was a happy, confident boy with lots of friends, as witnessed by the large turnout at his funeral.” Warren Lindley, chairman of Barming Youth FC, has organised a match at the Gallagher Stadium between Joe’s old team-mates - the Barming U18s and the Aylesford School Sixth Form.
Mr Lindley said: “I coached Joe since 2008. He was always a pleasure to have around. He was probably our most loyal player. He would play any position - he just loved the game.”
Kick-off is at 7.45pm, gates open at 6.45pm, with admission £5 per adult and £3 for five to 16-year-olds. There will be a raffle organised by Aylesford School students.
All are welcome and the money raised will go to support the air ambulance as construction firm Tarmac, where Joe undertook work experience, has generously sponsored the costs of the pitch hire and stewards. Donations can be made via justgiving.com/fundraising/ barmingyouth