A charity football match (15th April 2007) in memory of a beloved son, brother, boyfriend, grandson, nephew and friend (Graeme Blenkinsop) was held to raise money for CRY and St Mary’s Hospital Breast Care Trust Fund. Both charities are very dear and important to the family and friends of Graeme.
Graeme was a keen sportsman and played football from an early age. Some of his teams include Primary, Middle and High Schools, along with Isle of Wight Youth, East Cowes Youth, Gurnard Youth and GKN Senior Team. Along with football he also enjoyed golf, cricket, badminton and skiing.
The match was between GKN Westlands FC (a local East Cowes team) and friends of Graeme, and was held at the GKN football ground, on an extremely hot Sunday afternoon.
Money was kindly and generously donated from donations, raffle tickets, on the spot fines from the referee Brian Hayward (well the players can’t help it if they looked untidy and missed goals!), snack sales at the ground and at the BBQ venue of the Victoria Tavern, in East Cowes. The game ended in a 4-4 draw and the teams enjoyed a well deserved cold beer after the match.
Graeme died in his sleep on 4th August 2006 of an unexpected heart attack. All of his family and friends knew him as a gentle giant who was fun loving and enjoyed the odd beer and night out!
Graeme had just obtained a 2:1 degree at Bournemouth University in Accounting and Finance, and was looking forward to a well paid career in this field. He is missed and loved very much and always will be.
The total money raised was an amazing £1,910 which was split between the two charities, donating to each £955. We would like to thank all those who organised, played, donated and came to the football match, and next year we would like that number to increase.
Lynda Blenkinsop
