AN “emotional and heartfelt” football match in memory and honour of loved ones raised thousands of pounds.

Residents from Winklebury came together at the Hampshire FA Stadium for The Legends of Winklebury Memorial Football Match in June last year.

The teams were made of family and friends of the legends who have died. All the players who were from Winklebury played with their loved ones’ names on their shirts.

The event started in 2021 with a memorial football match commemorating the lives of George Nash and Freddie Elgar. 

George and Freddie both lived in Winklebury for many years but sadly died within days of each other during Covid restrictions. 

Both George and Fred’s funerals could only be attended by 30 people so, once restrictions were lifted, Cathy, George’s wife of 48 years, had the idea to stage a football match in their honour. 

Both families worked together to organise the match, and it was attended by over 500 people and raised £4,351 for hospices Naomi House and Jacksplace. 

They held the event again last year, and it can now be revealed the event raised just over £2,000 for charitable causes.

Cathy said: "We are so thrilled that last year’s event has enabled us to give something back to the Winklebury community, helping both young and old alike to improve their physical and mental wellbeing.

"In 2021 all of our fundraisings were donated to Naomi House and Jacksplace, which really is a great cause and meant a lot personally to both the Nash and Elgar families, but this year we wanted to contribute more locally within the community that our families grew up in.

"We’re certain George and Fred would have been very pleased with what we have achieved for charitable, and community causes in the past couple of years in their memory."

READ MORE: Legends of Winklebury memorial football match

Cathy says the small volunteer team has been working to identify worthy causes to donate the funds raised, with the primary aim being to support young people within the community.

In January, the team formally presented £500 to the Great Oaks Lunch Club, meanwhile the cash will help with the set-up of boxing, Brazilian or traditional Jiu-Jitsu coaching sessions. 

Money has also been given to cover the membership of a select number of children to attend PFT Academy sessions at The Sycamore Halls in 2023 for up to three months. 

Finally, £500 worth of vouchers has been prepared for children to attend the PFT Academy.

SEE ALSO: Ofsted praises Hampshire council's children services