Fans united for pal Paul
Footballing fans will shine a light on the work of two leading charities with a memorial match for a Washington dad.
A team of Black Cats fans will take on a side of Magpies supporters in a friendly derby at the Stadium Light in memory of Paul Warris.
The 52-year-old, from Washington, died in March after being diagnosed with an aggressive brain tumour, leaving wife Alison and his four children, Philip, 31, Michael, 24, Daniel 22 and Aimee 14.
His life-long friend, firefighter Nev Harris, is now organising a charity 11-a-side match of friends and family to raise awareness about the condition and much-needed funds for St Benedict’s Hospice in Ryhope, and The Brain Tumour Charity.
The NUFC Fans XI and SAFC Fans XI teams will take to the pitch at the Stadium of Light on Saturday, June 3. The gates open at 11.45am for a 12.30pm kick-off.
Nev said: “It is going to be an amazing experience, emotional, definitely, but something we will never forget.
“Normally when you hire the pitch you end up playing strangers, but this time it will be two teams of friends and family playing to raise money for two great causes.”
Paul collapsed last year while working at Nissan, and a scan revealed a brain tumour – which was found to be glioblastoma, which is difficult to treat.
When his condition worsened, he was taken to St Benedict’s Hospice in Ryhope.
Ex-Blyth Spartans manager Tom Wade and ex-Newcastle player Olivier Bernard will manage the NUFC Fans Xl team and ex-Sunderland players John Cornforth and Julio Arca will manage the SAFC Fans Xl team.
Fans will need a wristband in advance to enter the stadium. They can be sought from Nev Harris by emailing nevharris64@googlemail. com.
Anyone who would like to make a donation should visit uk.virginmoneygiving.com/ SomeoneSpecial/paulwarristrophy.