A MEMORIAL match held to celebrate the life of a promising young footballer who died following a car crash has raised thousands of pounds for charity for a third year running.
Dozens turned out to pay their respects to Jon Palmer who played for Gloucester City AFC and locally for Hanley Swan FC before he died aged 21-years-old in October 2013.
Jon was a keen and talented footballer and every year since his passing a charity match has been played between Jon’s childhood club Abbeymead Rovers and Hanley Swan who he played for before his death.
Several matches were held at Hanley Swan FC’s home turf on Sunday, August 14 with more than £3,000 going to different charities.
Charities benefiting included the Berrow Church Restoration Fund, St Richard’s Hospice and Winston’s Wish.
The day kicked off with a junior match at 11am, followed by a walking football match at 12pm before the main match between Jon’s two former sides.
Jon’s dad Mike said: “As a family we continue to be overwhelmed by the number of people who have offered to help and support the event each year and to raise an amazing £3,000 in 2014 and a further £3,500 for the St Faith’s Church, Berrow Restoration Appeal in 2015 despite some awful weather during both the matches is truly amazing!
“We are so pleased that we continue to raise over £3,000 again this year for some great charities.
“Jon was the life and soul of our community and touched so many hearts so we feel this is a fitting tribute and we are also pleased that with the Aspire Business Partnership’s support we are able to make this an annual event for friends and families to attend and celebrate his life.”
Jon’s childhood best friend and Abbeymead Rovers teammate, Ross Langworthy, added: “The last three year’s events have been superb; the amount of people that were desperate to get involved in remembering such a popular young lad was astonishing.
“As ex-teammates of Jon’s, the opportunity to play as a group again, in memory of one of our close friends, was really touching, and to play a small part in such a great day was an honour.
As well as the football, the event was a real family affair with face painting for the kids (big and small) followed by more drinks, pig roast and auction which took place at at The Duke of York pub – where Jon worked as a talented chef.
Graham Holmes, Hanley Swan FC chairman, said: “Hanley Swan FC have a reputation for having a strong bond and great team spirit, Jon embraced this, and even though other teams tried to lure him away, he stuck with us and enjoyed playing with his mates.”
For more information about the event, search for the ‘Jon Palmer Memorial Match’ Facebook page. To donate or sponsor next year’s event, taking place on August 13, 2017, call Andrea or Mike on 07786 437189.
Pictures courtesy of Lisa Roberts Photography and Mike and Andrea Palmer.
