School rallies to support Charlie
Teachers and pupils paid tribute to their classmate Charlie Girling at a charity match at the home of his favourite football team.
The 12-year-old, who studied at Maplesden Noakes, Maidstone, had been in Finland for an international Scouting convention where he passed away suddenly on July 24.
Last Friday youngsters from the Buckland Road school gathered at Maidstone United’s Gallagher Stadium to remember their former classmate with a minute’s applause before the game.
Current Stones players joined assistant manager Nicky Southall and ex-professionals from other clubs to take on teachers from Maplesden Noakes, who were cheered on by their pupils in the stands. The final score was 5-4 to the pros.
Charlie’s family also attended, with brother Jack and dad Les putting on their football boots and joining in during the emotional match.
The much-missed youngster, from Ash Close in Aylesford, was a keen footballer who supported Maidstone United and regularly went to watch them play.
The game raised nearly £5,500, for a memorial fund set up in Charlie’s name, which will benefit the 1st Aylesford Scout Group, of which he was a member.
Head teacher Richard Owen, who also played, told the crowd: “It is amazing to see so many of you in addition to students at the school.
“We want this afternoon to be an enjoyable occasion and we hope the professional players might just give us staff a chance.
“But it is important to remember why we are here. We have come together to celebrate the life of a wonderful young man.”
The school is also planning to dedicate a new relaxation area in memory of Charlie.
To donate, visit justgiving. com/maplesden