A FOOTBALL tournament is being held next week in memory of man who died from a heart attack, aged 33.

Tommy Headington died at Lister Hospital in Stevenage after going into cardiac arrest in June 2009.

A keen footballer and Luton Town supporter, Mr Headington used to play in goal for Stevenage youth team Bedwell Rangers and also helped set up Sunday league club Shephall Artois which was based in the town.

Two months after his sudden death, family and friends decided to pay tribute to the father-of-five from Stevenage with a charity football tournament, an annual tradition which has continued ever since.

In previous year’s Tommy’s Day, as the tournament has become known, has taken place at Walkern Sports and Social Club but this time the fundraiser will be held at Marriotts School in Stevenage on Sunday, August 25.

Six-a-side adult teams will compete in a league and knock-out competition in the morning, before a kick-about for boys and girls takes place in the afternoon.

There will also be music, a barbecue, raffle and children’s activities during the event, which is open to the general public and runs from 10.30am until 5pm at the school in Brittain Way.

Proceeds from Tommy’s Day will be split between two charities – the British Heart Foundation and Cardiac Risk in the Young.

Organiser and Tommy’s step-dad Ken Headington, who is a coach for Bedwell Rangers, said: “Some people go into cardiac arrest and survive but unfortunately Tommy didn’t get a second chance. The doctors tried and tried but that was it.

“From the age of 14 or 15, young people’s hearts are developed enough to undertake screenings to find out if there’s a problem. When you see it happen to Tommy you realise if doesn’t matter if you’re fit and playing football, it can still happen.

“Tommy’s Day is a way of promoting and campaigning for screening of young people while raising money. Last year we raised £1500 so we’d like to match that if we can.”

If you are interested in entering a team, would like to donate a prize to the raffle or can referee on the day, call Ken Headington on 07946 329180 or email kenmh58@hotmail.com