FOOTBALLERS are holding a charity match in memory of a supporter and former player who lost his battle with cancer.
Paul Barnett was diagnosed with inoperable lung cancer more than three years ago, but lost his fight last month aged 61, surrounded by family at Myton Hospice.
His funeral saw nearly 500 people turn out to pay their respects to the former electrician and Kenilworth Rangers player, with some having to stand outside as the church was so full.
And after hearing about the support given to the family by Myton, friends and fellow footballers are planning a charity tournament and fun day on Sunday August 2 to raise money for the hospice.
The day is even more important to Paul’s family, as he had helped wife Tina battle breast cancer just years before.
Paul’s daughter Donna told the Observer: “My dad supported Tina through cancer then two years later he was diagnosed with it himself.
“Myton really supported us through dad’s battle and we could not have asked them to do anymore. Myself and Tina were able to stay with him the whole time which meant everything to us.
“We are really passionate about the charity. My brother Steve did the Two Castles run in aid of the hospice earlier this year and managed to raise £3,000 for them. We want to add to this figure at the fun day and enable the hospice to keep helping people like they helped us.
“We have had such an amazing response already. It’s lovely to know how well thought of dad was and that people want to do things to raise money in his name.”
The charity tournament will kick off at 11am at Kenilworth Town’s Gypsy Lane ground and will also include bar, barbecue, face painting, a bouncy castle and crossbar challenge.
