A football tournament held in memory of a 22-year-old who died after a battle with mental health problems has raised more than £15,000.
The Connor Mackay Cup began in July 2021 after the football-mad Sheerness resident passed away in July 2019.
Set up by Connor’s brothers Finn and James Tumber, along with their cousin Adam Read and the rest of Connor’s family, it has become an annual event.
The fundraising began with a charity game at the Appleyard, formerly known as UK Paper, just three months after Connor died.
There have been four tournaments since 2021 at the same venue until this year's which was at Sheppey United’s home ground Holm Park and was the biggest yet.
More than 100 players, in 10 teams, took part on Saturday, May 11 raising more than £3,000 for the Mental Health Foundation.
To view their fundraising page click here
Take The Conn FC, who were captained by Finn who lives in Sittingbourne, took home the trophy after a 2-0 win over Men Talk FC in the final.
The 23-year-old said the tournaments were a way to remember Connor who “loved to play football” and was a “huge Barcelona fan”.
He said: “Connor was incredible with the absolute world at his feet. He was kind, intelligent and talented and when he died it was such a loss to us all.
“Our lives will never be the same again so was important for us as a family that we do all we can to make sure anyone else struggling with their mental health gets the support they need so that no one ever has to go through what Connor did.
“We chose to remember Connor and keep his memory alive by hosting an annual charity football tournament as he loved watching football, playing six-a-side and having a kickabout.
“With the tournaments, we have tried to build up a community as well with a lot of players returning each year and we want to encourage all the lads who play to speak out about mental health as men usually don’t.
“This year’s one was fantastic as usual but was our biggest yet and it seems to grow each year.”
While football is at the heart of the tournament there was also food and drink for spectators and players as well as a raffle.
Spiderman even turned up in between the sticks to hopelessly try and save spot kicks during the children's penalty shootout.
Finn and his family are hosting another charity football match at Holm Park on Sunday, July 14 marking five years since Connor died.
They will then turn their attention to planning a “big and better” tournament next year.
