Friends remember JFS boy by reaching £11k goal
FRIENDS OF a JFS pupil who died suddenly last month have raised more than £11,000 for charity in his memory from a football match in Barnet.
Some 200 people bought tickets for the Joel Ingram memorial game at the Rowley Lane ground of London Maccabi Lions. Many more donated online.
As Joel, 17, was a big Newcastle United fan, one of the teams dubbed themselves Jewcastle United. The other, F1FC, reflected Joel’s talent for drawing Formula 1 cars.
There was a minute’s silence before the match, which F1FC won 3-2.
Proceeds will benefit YoungMinds, a UK charity working to improve the emotional well-being and mental health of young people. Anyone who donated £20 or more was automatically entered into a raffle for a signed Gareth Bale Real Madrid shirt.
Among the players was Aaron Goldstein, a year 13 pupil at Immanuel College, who said: “Joel was one of those people you would look forward to seeing because you would be able to have a laugh, no matter who was around you.”
Although it was “frustrating and overwhelmingly upsetting” that he would never see Joel again, he would retain fond memories of their friendship.
Zack Shooter, another friend, wrote on Facebook: “I saw myself growing old with friends like Joel and couldn’t see his joyful attitude ever changing. I miss him so much and will always have a special memory of the person who has been so crucial to helping me become who I am today.”
In his tribute, Adam Corren wrote that he felt fortunate to have seen Joel “grow from a funny, hyper and intelligent primary school boy to a humble, sincere and charming man. Missing you more and more every minute.”
Diane Gault, YoungMinds’ fundraising director, thanked Joel’s friends and family “for the incredible work they’ve done to raise awareness and funds for us. We’re honoured to have had the chance to be part of such an inspiring and community driven event.”
ANOTHER CHARITY match in Barnet — arranged by Immanuel Ezekiel in memory of his brother David, who was murdered in South Africa in February — has raised around £7,000 for Norwood.
Mr Ezekiel said his brother “would have wanted to continue to help others. He left a legacy of kindness, of loyalty, of genuine spirit.” Norwood CEO Elaine Kerr said the match “was a great tribute to David and we’re very grateful to Immanuel and all involved for raising an amazing amount”.