Footballers are pulling on their boots for a poignant charity match in memory of a much-loved couple.
Next month’s contest is taking place at the British Sugar Sports and Social Club, in Bury St Edmunds, and proceeds are being split between East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices (EACH) and St Nicholas Hospice Care.
As well as raising vital funds, the match, held every year since 2022, is also being organised in memory of popular pair Gary and Mollie Sharpe.
Mollie died of pancreatic cancer in September 2019, while husband Gary tragically took his own life in May 2022.
They were the mum and stepdad of Heather Mortimer, one of the organisers, who explained why one of this year’s beneficiaries is EACH.
“It’s a local charity that meant so much to my mum,” she said.
“We’re a big family, and she felt blessed to have so many children in her life, including 11 grandchildren and more than 30 great grandchildren. She always said how lucky we are that everyone is fit and healthy.
“However, she knew others weren’t as fortunate and felt strongly about supporting a charity that helped those families.
“Before she died, when mum knew her cancer was terminal, she insisted she didn’t want flowers at her funeral. Instead, she asked people to donate to EACH.
“That’s how strongly she felt and raising funds is our way of honouring her wishes. In a way, it was her decision.”
The match is taking place on Sunday, 17th August (kick-off 11.30am) and will feature a team comprising family and friends – ranging in age from 16 to those in their late-40s – against Bury and District Sunday League outfit Risby Greens.
The friends and family have all secured individual sponsors, while their opponents are paying to play and will make a donation.
Entry is free, and there will be two tombola games, a large raffle featuring prizes donated by local people and businesses, facepainting, a bouncy castle and a stall selling sweets. The bar opens at midday, and hot food will be available.
“By not charging, we hope people come along and enjoy the match while supporting us in other ways, by entering our tombola or buying something to eat,” added Heather.
“That way, they can spend whatever they like, and it doesn’t become an expensive afternoon.
“We try to get the whole family involved, and everyone gets in the spirit and has fun.
“The main objective is to raise funds, but it’s also important to see everyone having a laugh and enjoying themselves.
“Family and fun are two of the most important things in life, and hopefully our match is a celebration of that.”
As well as supporting EACH, Heather says it is important to raise funds for St Nicholas Hospice Care. Her mum used to volunteer on reception there.
Other worthy causes to have benefitted down the years include Samaritans, a veterans’ mental health charity and Hope After Suicide Loss.
Heather believes the match helps get people talking about those subjects, given what happened to sport-mad Gary, who was 63 and died after jumping from the Orwell Bridge.
“It was devastating and such a shock,” said Heather.
“The first match we held was in July 2022, and Gary had only died in the May.
“It was my nephew, Kenny, who originally came up with the idea, and I helped with the organisation. As it’s got bigger, there’s now a small group of us.
“Initially, it was our way of finding hope and positivity through grief, to raise awareness of men’s mental health.
“He meant the world to us but hid the way he was feeling. None of us had any idea, and that’s why we feel it’s so important to be honest about it.
“As a family, we don’t believe in hiding what happened and would rather speak openly about it, because it’s important to highlight mental health and suicide.”
The players will be competing for the Sharpie’s Cup, and, in addition, Heather and her family also arrange an 80s and 90s disco called ‘Mollie’s Legacy of Hope’ every Autumn.
The first took place in 2023, and this year’s is taking place at Morton Hall Community Centre on 25th October.
