Thank Yous
In Memory of Thomas ‘Tom’ Godfrey
Thomas ‘Tom’ Godfrey (pictured above) passed away after a long battle with Alzheimer’s and Vascular Dementia. He was a huge sports fan and mad about the glorious game. Sometimes he would remember the odd memory of his days playing which was a joy to hear for his family. He played for Hayes and also for Uxbridge which included playing in Europe. He was most proud of his 50 goals in 50 games. He would get a real kick knowing that he was helping a young person follow their passion the way he kept his love of football alive right up to the end.
In Memory of Tony Collins
Tony Collins was a footballer for Sheffield Wednesday, York City, Watford, Norwich City, Torquay United, Crystal Palace and Rochdale where he became player-manager, the first black manager in the Football League. He continued to manage Rochdale for another 6 years after his retirement from playing in 1961. After leaving Rochdale he became a scout for numerous clubs, including under the great Don Revie at Leeds as well as Manchester United.
Tony sadly passed away in February 2021 at the grand old age of 94. We were honoured when his family contacted us wanting to raise money for us in Tony’s memory. Donations online and at the funeral raised over £2,000. We are hugely grateful to Tony’s family and all who donated in his memory.
In Memory of Alick Cross
Thank you family and friends for £250 donation in memory of Alick Cross.
Elaine Reynolds – In Memory of Rory Joshua Newman
In October 2020, Elaine Reynolds’ daughter and son in law sadly lost their first son, Rory Joshua Newman. To help Elaine ease the pain she decided to get out walking and running to arrive virtually on the shores of Ireland on St Patrick’s Day. Elaine said ‘Getting out each day was an amazing help and knowing the money raised will give children a much needed opportunity to attend football.’ Elaine’s Just Giving page raised over £1,200 in Rory’s memory, thank you so much for choosing Free Kicks to received donations, we are humbled and honoured.
In Memory of Brian Rumble
Brian Rumble was a huge football fan, whether watching on tv or supporting from the sidelines. ‘He supported the boy’s teams through rain or shine, always shouting encouragement with his booming voice. Brian always said that all kids deserve a good start in life and no one should go without, the family believe he is looking down on them and smiling that they have chosen such a worthy cause to support.’ Donations in Brian’s memory raised £780 and we thank his family for their great support.
In Memory of Eric Spicer
In April 2021 Eric Spicer passed away with Covid Pneumonia after 90 days after being admitted to Glenfield Hospital ICU. He battled long and hard, he left ICU very positive ready to begin his journey to rehabilitation on the wards, unfortunately after many complications, he never made it home. Eric’s wife Tracey contacted us wanting to raise money in his memory, both online and at a football match in his memory. The match took place in June and we popped along to meet Eric’s family and friends at the Magna FC near Leicester, we could tell how loved and missed Eric was and were honoured to be able to attend. Donations on the day of the match and online raised £1,500 and we aim to spend the money at Leicester City, hopefully not too long in the future.
Noreen Cowell
Noreen Cowell donated £225 in memory of her son Martin, the money was in lieu of presents for her and her husband, Harim’s diamond wedding anniversary earlier in 2021. It was lovely to speak to Noreen on the phone and thank her personally for the generous donation, which we will endeavour to spend in the Manchester area.
