Ethan Hopson's mum joins forces with brother of heart attack victim Andy Holcombe for charity football match
"WE THINK of them every day and hope this will keep their memories alive."
Those were the words of grieving mother Karly Hopson, 24, who is co-organising a charity football match in memory of her six-month-old son, Ethan, who tragically died a year ago.
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Good sports: Barry Holcombe and Karly Hopson, who are organising a charity football match and race night, in memory of Karly's son Ethan and Barry's brother Andy. Picture: Rick Byrne
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Much loved: Baby Ethan George Hopson died in December 2011.
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In his memory: Barry is running the London Marathon again in memory of his brother Andy.
She has joined forces with Barry Holcombe, 36, whose brother Andy suffered a fatal heart attack 16 years ago aged 18, to organise the match for Ethan's Trust and Cardiac Risk In The Young.
Kick-off is 1.15pm at the Bradley Community Stadium, on Friday, March 29, where the public can see the Ethan All Stars take on Andy's Select 11.
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Barry said: "Andy would be proud and probably amazed that I can get up and run! He was always the fit, active one, whereas I wasn't."
Football fanatic Andy collapsed while training for Pavillion A Team at King George's Stadium in 1997 from an unknown heart condition.
Ethan died in December 2011. His babysitter, Jason Redgrave, is serving eight years for manslaughter.
Karly's brother, Antony Stephenson, was good friends with Andy, and together played for her father Ian's team.
Karly was nine when Andy died and described him as her "third brother".
She said: "I remember him and the day it happened, to say how young I was, it is one thing that sticks in my mind. You never forget something like that.
"This will keep Ethan and Andy's memories alive. I still have my bad days, but I am back at work and I keep myself going. I like to think he is always with me."
Throughout her grief, Karly raised £13,000 for Sheffield Children's Hospital, where Ethan passed away.
This will be one of the first charity events for Ethan's Trust, which will raise money for local people.
The Cardiac Risk In The Young charity campaigns for life-saving heart screenings and supports bereaved families like Andy's.
Barry continued: "This isn't just for Andy, it is for other people like our family. I don't want anyone to go through what we have. The more people who get screened the better. It can happen to anyone."
A race night and auction at Abby's Restaurant and Wine Bar, Grimsby, will follow the football match, at 7pm. Tickets cost £20 and includes food.
The pair are also appealing to businesses to donate for the auction and raffle. For tickets or more information, contact Barry on 07530 881002.
Promote the work of local charities and upcoming fundraising events by visiting www.thisisgrimsby.co.uk/charities where organisations can post latest news and appeal for funds.
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