Friends of a young man killed in a road collision are organising a fundraising event to support his grieving family.
Pals of George Heath, 20, from Tarvin, often played five-a-side football with him and his brother Harry at the Goals Soccer Centre in Bumpers Lane, Chester, on Wednesdays.
Last week the 10 lads played as usual, including George, the night before he went for a drink with friends in Chester.
But tragically George went missing in the early hours and as a pedestrian was involved in a fatal collision with an HGV on the A49 at Tarporley shortly before 8am on the Friday (March 4).
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Sam Walsh, who organises the weekly football session, grew up with George and his brother and wanted to help plan ‘George’s Memorial Fundraiser’ on Good Friday (March 25).
It will involve an afternoon of 11-a-side football at Johnny Walker’s ‘field of dreams’ in Kelsall, admission £5 for players, followed by a social evening with a DJ and raffle at Tarvin pub, The George and Dragon, where George socialised and had recently begun working.
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Sam, 23, from Tarvin, said: “On Good Friday, we are having a fundraiser day in memory of him to raise funds for a bench and then give the money to the family so they can either put it towards a headstone or donate it to a charity of their choice.
“The interest has been nothing short of unbelievable, with nearly every business in the area donating and offering raffle prizes.”
George’s parents Paul and Gaynor Heath and brother Harry are ‘happy’ with the whole idea and intend to go along to the fundraiser on the day.
Sam said 70 lads from Tarvin, Kelsall, Tarporley, Duddon and Barrow, had already expressed an interest in taking part in the football where spectators are also welcome but may be approached for a donation. There is a possibility of organising a bouncy castle for the children. The venue and referees have agreed to be involved for no charge.
A minute’s silence in memory of George, a journalism student at Staffordshire University, will be held before the games begin.
The football will be followed by a social evening from 7pm in The George and Dragon where this Friday (March 11) organisers are holding a planning meeting, also at 7pm, with everyone welcome to attend.
Anyone wishing to help or play football on the day can contact Sam on: 07897 296857.
