On 5th October at Norton and Stockton Ancients FC three teams battled it out in a round robin competition for the inaugural challenge for the James Campbell Memorial Shield. Ex-Boro player Andy Campbell organised the tournament in memory of his cousin, 16 year old James who died last November from young sudden cardiac death and the family have been raising awareness and funds for CRY, Cardiac Risk in the Young since James’s death.

“Football was just one of James’s passions and he would have been shaking his head in disbelief at the fact that a football tournament has taken place in his memory” said mum Karen, “We would also like to thank Mick Mulligan, Chairman of Norton and Stockton Ancients for the use of the ground and facilities; the event would not have been possible without his generosity. The shield was donated by Stephen Smith of Hungerbusters and each of the teams shirts were sponsored very kindly by Taylor Wimpey, MD Mark Leigh. A massive thank you to them and everyone else that supported us on the day”.

The generosity of these organisations along with the sponsorship raised by the players has so far raised £1400 for the James Campbell Memorial Fund. The tournament ended with a penalty shoot out, with the Neil Campbell XI being victors over Team Macmillan, the academy where James was a student.

Andy Campbell said “This event is only the beginning, we will look to make this and similar football competitions part of our efforts to raise awareness of CRY and the work that they do, and maybe help prevent what has happened in our family, happening to someone else through screening young people. James was loved by all and that was proven today, he will never be forgotten”

If you would like to make a donation to the fund, please go to http://www.justgiving.com/AndyCams/

Karen Campbell