Channelling their grief for brain tumours

In 2012 Bridgemary resident Elizabeth Humphries' husband sadly died of a brain tumour.
Tina HelmeTina Helme
Tina Helme

Elizabeth’s son Neil channelled his grief into organising a football match with his friends.

This was named The Big Match. Via this they raised funds for the Brain Tumour Charity.

They also raised money for Action for Children Charity.

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Altogether they raised £8,000 and more than 300 people helped them do it.

In 2013 they repeated their efforts and The Big Match launched as an annual event.

The event has gone on to raise more than £180,000 and is looking to break the £250,000 mark this year.

A five-to-15 children’s match was organised,where children are trained by professionals in new skills.

To do so the children have to raise £50.

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Adults have to raise £1,000 to play against ex-players and other stars.

A full match evening black tie dinner called Extra Time is hosted by a star and entertainment from the television world.

This year’s event is at Newbury Football Ground on Saturday, June 18.

The Extra Time black tie event is at Wokefield Park in Mortimer, Berkshire.

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Guests include Amy Childs, Calum Best, Chris Whyte, Jay James and Nancy May Turner.

For child training sessions please go to eventbrite.co.uk/e/the-big-match-2016-tickets-21685236125?aff=eac2.

The Extra Time event is already sold out.

As part of her fundraising efforts, Elizabeth did a skydive in Salisbury earlier this month.

On June 4 she is organising a race night in Gosport.

Elizabeth also holds regular coffee mornings at her home in Tukes Avenue, Bridgemary, as well as car boot sales at Bridgemary School.

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To find out more about her fundraising and to make a donation, please go to her Virgin Money page and search Elizabeth Humphries The Big Match.

Brain Tumour Research is the least funded cancer group and receives no government funding.

Brain tumours are the biggest killers in the under 40s.

For more information and to donate please go to braintumourresearch.org.

Please continue to send me your Gosport Community Views stories and forthcoming events to [email protected]

Wishing you all a peaceful week ahead.

Follow me on Twitter @GosportTHelme and 
@tasashelme1.