Son hosts memorial match to boost heart charity funds

Ryan Clark used his skills on the pitch and channelled his grief into hosting a football tournament in memory of his father Trevor.

It is the second time the 26-year-old has hosted an event in his dad’s memory.

The event held at Hedworthfield CA in Jarrow, attracted more than 300 people through the gates helping to raise £3,200 for the British Heart Foundation.

Throughout the day, an under 15s tournament and adult tournament was held. There was also children’s entertainment available including facepainting and bouncy castle.

Mr Clark, who is the lead for the BHF Hebburn fundraising group which was formed earlier this year, said: “The weather wasn’t exactly kind to us this year, but we still had an amazing turnout.

“We had the football tournaments going on and there was also bouncy castles, facepainting and tombolas. We then went to the White Lead for a night time event.

“Even though the weather let us down a bit, the event couldn’t have went any better.”

Ryan’s dad Trevor. 66, died in 2014, weeks after undergoing a triple heart bypass.

His family had thought he had been recovering well but sadly died in his sleep.

The British Heart Foundation, which Ryan is now a volunteer for, is the largest independent funder of cardiovascular research and provides information on heart disease to help people live more healthier lives.

For details visit www.bhf.org.uk