Bank Holiday Monday saw almost 800 people from South Tyneside come out to remember the lives of Chloe Rutherford and Liam Curry, who lost their lives in Manchester’s terror attack last May.
A charity football match took place at Mariners Park in South Shields and featured friends and family members from both teens competing as Team Chloe and Team Liam in the 90 minute game and generated over £5000 for the Together Forever trust.
Mark Rutherford, Chloe’s dad and captain of Team Chloe, was overwhelmed by the support. He said: “The match was an amazing success – not only for the £5000 raised but also the fact that 800 people from family, friends and the local community came together to show so much love and support.”
The game saw Chloe’s father and brother playing, as well as Liam’s brother Zach. Local footballers such as Wayne Phillips and Carl Finnigan also participated in the game.
Organiser John Grundy said: “Me and Robert Patterson felt helpless with what the family were going through so wanted to help the family so we decided to arrange a football match to raise funds for the trust. We invited Chloe and Liam’s family and friends to play then decided to talk to pro and semi-pro players to also take part.”
The match finished 5-1 to Team Liam.
The Together Forever Trust are hoping to make this an annual event.