Memorial match for bucket list dad
ACHARITY football match raised £1,700 for a dad with a terminal illness.
The event was held at Stockport Rugby Club by friends of Lee Mairs, who died on a stag weekend in Tenerife aged 24 in 2012.
The money was raised for Dave Hopwood, who has inoperable kidney cancer.
Lee’s loved ones organise a tournament in his memory every year and this year they decided to support Dave’s bucket list, which details experiences he would like to share with his son Josh, 15.
Teams made up of players including Dave’s friends from Rochdale and Lee’s loved ones took part in the event.
“The tournament was a great success,” said Luke Dearden, who is helping to co-ordinate the bucket list appeal for Dave.
“It raised £1,700, which will be a big help to the appeal.”
Dave has already enjoy some unforgettable experiences with Josh, including sports events, but the appeal organisers are hoping to raise enough money for them to share a holiday together.
Organiser and family friend Phil Brennan said: “I am truly proud to be a part of this community.
“Every single person who chipped in, whether it be with donations of cash or prizes, helping to raise money via the sales off raffle tickets or mak- ing the evening buffet, deserve praise for their efforts.
“As in previous years we have given the proceeds to a family that have suffered in similar circumstances to Lee’s parents Darren and Joanne.
“This year we are proud to be giving our total of £1,700 to the Dave Hopwood appeal.
“Lee was killed on my son-in-law’s stag party and as a father-of-three myself I couldn’t imagine how Daz and Jo feel having lost a child.
“My children grew up with theirs and I am sure that had the roles been reversed they would offer the same support.”
Picture Dan McNicol