Match to help kick off Megan's charity fund

Megan’s Rainbow Support Trust will reach out to the loved ones of families who have lost a child, offering counselling and financial help to meet funeral costs.

It has been formed in memory of former St Anthony’s Catholic Girls’ Academy student Megan Bell, who died at last year’s T in the Park festival.

An inquest heard her life was claimed after she fell ill because of ecstasy found in her system, but her family have said they do not believe she was a drug user.

The 17-year-old had been due to start work as a hairdressing apprentice and had dreams of running her own business.

A live music event was held on the seafront of her home town of Seaham in June and now her family and friends are putting the final preparations in place for a fighters verus footballers match at Seaham Red Star’s home ground on Sunday, October 22.

It follows on from a football event held at Dawdon Welfare Ground just weeks after Megan’s tragic death, with this year’s event aiming to help back the trust, which has already been granted charity status.

Megan’s dad Chris, 45, and her brother Josh, 13, will be among the footballers’ squad, which also boats ex-Sunderland players Darren Williams, Michael Proctor and Lee Howey.

The fighters’ side features boxer Glen Foot, martial artist Phil De Fries, MMA star Colin “The Freakshow” Fletcher and Danny “Bad News” Hughes, as well as organiser Lee Duncan.

Chris said: “We decided to have a match again after the huge success of the one we had last year, which was also organised by Lee Duncan.

“This one is going to be bigger and better.

“We’ve got Darren Williams and Michael Proctor and we’ve got a lot of lads who still play at a good level, so they’re looking forward to playing alongside the ex-professionals.

“Then we’ve got the fighters and there are some big names in there who have national titles and it’ll be great to see them play.”

Lee said: “It’s going to be a great day and we’re hoping for a big crowd.

“We hope as well as raising money, this will help everyone remember Megan and just bring the people of Seaham together.

“It’s also about community spirit and we want to do as much as we can to help others.”

The game kicks off at 2.30pm and admission is £2, with the event sponsored by Seaham Athletic FC and Downey’s fish and chip shop.

Refreshments will be available and a raffle and auction will be held to raise funds for the charity.

Anyone who would like to donate or find out more can contact Lee on 07751 778 493 or email [email protected].