Friends and family of a 27-year-old man who died in his sleep last year have organised a moving football tribute on the fields where he played as a child.
Former Barclay School pupil and Arsenal supporter Liam Quinn tragically passed away from a suspected heart attack in October 2016.
Last weekend, his friends and family got together to organise a memorial football tournament at King George V playing fields in Stevenage, where Liam used to play as a child and played football teams there as an adult.
It took place on Saturday, which would have been Liam’s 28th birthday.
Cash raised from the event will be put towards a memorial tree to be planted in his memory. Any profits beyond that will go to the RSPCA and Blue Cross charities, in honour of the fact that Liam was an animal lover.
More than 150 people attended the event and 50 players took part.
The teams were Barclay Boys – made up of Liam’s former school mates – Walkern FC, with players from his former club, and two teams made up of friends of Liam’s brother, Connor Quinn.
Friends and family took part in a minute’s applause before the tournament. There were also barbecues, refreshments and activities for children.
Liam’s friend Leeroy Williams, who helped organise the event, said he wanted to thank all those who had a part in it.
He said: “It went really well and was a really positive event. It was just great getting everyone together.”
Those there on the day included town MP Stephen McPartland, who knows the family personally.
He said: “It was fantastic to see the community come together and support Liam’s family.
“I enjoyed meeting them and know they were delighted with the massive support.
“I am so proud of the community spirit we have here in Stevenage, which makes our town such a great place to live and work.”
Liam’s brother Connor said he wanted to thank all those who organised and attended, adding that it had been a great day.
The organisers hope to run similar events in the future.
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