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Charity football in memory of Stevenage’s Mike Quinlan raises £400
Mike Quinlan's daughter Olivia poses with the teams and a picture of her dad ahead of the charity football match in his memory. Picture: DJH Images - Credit: Archant
There were goals galore as friends played a charity football match in memory of Stevenage’s Mike Quinlan, who tragically took his own life earlier this year.
Mike was only 29 when he died in January – leaving behind a partner, family and two children.
Mush FC triumphed in the Mike Quinlan Memorial Cup at the Marriott’s 4G pitches on Saturday, winning 5-4 against a Quinlan FC team made up of his former B&Q workmates.
The two teams had pictures taken with Mike’s daughter Olivia, and raised a total of £400 – all of which will go to Winston’s Wish, a charity that has been supporting Olivia since her dad’s death.
Conor Manson, one of the players, said the plan now is to hold further matches each year, with the winner getting to lift the Quinlan trophy at the end of each game.
“Suicide is the biggest killer of men under the age of 45, and together we can raise awareness and hopefully help anyone who might be in a desperate position themselves,” he said.
He added: “A big thanks to Danny and Ross Mole, Wayne Simpson for organising the event, and also to Kyle Watson for hiring the pitch.”