Police officer holds squash tournament in memory of friend

Pc Jason Sweeney, 43, is organising the three-day tournament at the Primrose Community Centre in Jarrow to raise funds for the Bobby Robson Foundation after his friend Derek Brown died of cancer in November 4 2013.

The Derek Brown Handicap Squash Tournament will see about 100 matches take place over February 19, 20 and 21 between children, adults and professional players.

Mr Sweeney, who works in Hebburn, said: “It is in honour of my dear friend who used to play squash and died of cancer very young.

“He was only 55 years old when he passed away. He was a fitness fanatic, who was always playing squash at the club and had many dear friends there.

“He had throat cancer and died just a year after he was diagnosed. He was treated at The Freeman Hospital in the Bobby Robson Unit, so we are raising funds for the charity.

“We were all devastated at his loss and keen to get this event under way to honour him.”

Mr Brown, a lorry driver from Glebe in Washington, was a member of the Primrose Community Centre Squash club for more than 15 years.

Mr Brown’s wife Valerie and son Andrew Brown, will attend the tournament, with his son presenting trophies to winners.

Mr Sweeney who is a neighbourhood police officer for Hebburn, also volunteers to coach squash for kids aged between eight and 15 at Primrose Community Centre, on Lambton Terrace.

He added: “It is going to be a fantastic event with some top squash players and loads of different companies have donated to the raffle. Everybody is rallying around.

“Alex Charlton, Derek’s niece, has been speaking to different companies to donate prizes for a raffle and prizes for the winners, and Keith Brown, his brother, has also donated money to help run the tournament.

Games will take place from 5pm to 9pm on February 19, and 10am to 8pm on February 20 and 21.