Eleven-year-old Matthew Lazell wanted to raise some money for breast cancer research to help other families from going through the hurt and sadness he witnessed when a special friend died from the disease earlier this year at the age of 35.
He felt very sad for her son and daughter, who lost their mum, and for all her devoted family. With this in mind and with the help of family and friends he started his Paula Kelly campaign.
He asked all his team-mates at Leigh Rockets under-11s to join him on a sponsored penalty shoot-out which was followed by a dads v sons game of 11-a-side fun football.
The match was accompanied by a raffle where the top prize was a shirt autographed and donated by West Ham's England star Joe Cole.
Matthew, who lives on Canvey and whose dad Eric is manager of the team, saw the big day raise over £1,000 and the youngsters won the match, beating the "golden oldies" 5-4.
Published Friday, June 20, 2003
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