Kieran: The mate we won’t forget
FRIENDS AND FAMILY RAISE FUNDS IN HONOUR OF YOUNG REF
FAMILY and friends of a talented young referee who lost his life in a car crash took to the pitch for a fundraising football match in his honour.
Kieran Oliver, 18, from Gateshead, died after a three-vehicle crash in Kibblesworth on Sunday, August 13.
Following his death, the local football community rushed to pay tribute to a promising young lad who dreamed of refereeing in the Premier League, and had the talent to make his dream come true.
And on Saturday scores of Kieran’s friends came together for a match at Redheugh Boys Club, to raise money for Kieran’s family and remember him with his favourite pastime.
Four teams took part in the event, with players including Kieran’s younger brother, friends from Joseph Swan Academy, Redheugh Boys Club and Rolls Royce, where Kieran had an apprenticeship.
Sam Rouse, 18, was one of Kieran’s pals from Joseph Swan Academy who planned the event.
“We just wanted to remember him and raise money for his mam and dad, and this seemed like the best way.
“He loved football and he was probably going to get a career in refereeing.
“I’ve known him since we were five years old and he was a really nice lad, always having a laugh.”
Two teams of friends wore strips with ‘K. Oliver’ printed on the back, paid for by Kieran’s former school.
Heather Scott, headteacher at Joseph Swan Academy, cheered on her former pupils as she paid tribute to “a hardworking, caring and compassionate lad”.
“Kieran was an absolutely outstanding student,” she said.
“Our school motto is ‘where everyone can shine’ and there’s no question that Kieran personified that.
“He was very sporty but he was very academic as well.
“He worked hard at all the subjects and he was also a great team player.
“He wanted to go on and referee, and he had exactly the right temperament for that.
“His death came as a real shock to us in the summer, and the students have absolutely pulled together for this.
“It’s a little bit of comfort for the family and we were only too happy to sponsor the strips.”
More than £1,000 was raised on the day for Kieran’s family.
Kieran suffered fatal injuries in the crash just north of Cranberry Bog Road in Kibblesworth, Gateshead, at around 6.40pm on Sunday, August 13. A 17-year-old boy, two 18-yearolds, a 45-year-old man and a 41-year-old woman were seriously injured.
A teenage boy who had broken his leg and suffered abdominal and pelvic injures was airlifted to James Cook University Hospital in Middlesbrough.