Charity game will celebrate the life of Paul

FRIENDS and family of football fan Paul Warris are to take part in the second annual charity match to celebrate his life.

Warris passed away at the age of 51 in March 2017, just six months after being diagnosed with a brain tumour.

His life was celebrated with a match between Sunderland and Newcastle United supporters at the Stadium of Light in May 2017, with former Black Cats Star Julio Arca managing the red and whites to a 7-5 win.

This year’s game takes place today with a midday kick-off at Belle View, home of Northern League club Consett.

The Newcastle side will be managed by former Magpies’ star Olivier Bernard (pictured below) and former Blyth Spartans’ boss Tom Wade steps in to manage the Sunderland side.

The match will raise money for the Brain Tumour Charity and St Benedict’s Hospice, where Warris spent the last weeks of his life.

Chief organiser Nev Harris, a friend of Warris, said: “It hs been a year now since we played our first match at the Stadium of Light.

“I honestly don’t know where the time has gone and there is not a day which goes by when we don’t think about him.

“We all miss him so much and it is still hard to believe he is not with us any more.

“Last year was a great success but also a very emotional day for all, as it will be this year, with nearly all the same lads playing again, including many of Paul’s family members and his very close friends.

“As well as keeping Paul’s memory alive, we want to create more awareness of brain tumours, as well as raising some muchneeded funds for the Brain Tumour Charity and Saint Benedict’s Hospice, where Paul spent his last days.”

A number of local businesses have supported the game, with Consett providing their Belle View facility free of charge.

South Shields-based Bolam Sportswear have donated match kit for the two sides, as well as the trophy for the winners.

Owner Kevin Bolam said: “We are delighted to provide the kits for such good charities.

“We would love to have been able to come along but we go on holiday at the same time so unfortunately we cannot make it.”

He added: “We hope everyone enjoys their day and the charities involved raise a lot of money.”