Tragic man's son to kick off Cramlington fundraiser

Posted by The Journal on Nov 13, 09 04:54 PM in News

Harvey Richmond Standing proud in his stripes, little Harvey Richmond knows this one is going to be for his dad. The ace striker is set to make the first move on the pitch tomorrow when he kicks off a charity football match in memory of his father.

The youngster was just eight months old when his doting dad John was found dead by the side of the road in Seaton Delaval, North Tyneside, on November 18, 2006.

The 20-year-old was last seen at a party near Cramlington and was discovered lying next to his mountain bike by a passer-by the next morning.

A post mortem failed to find an exact cause of death, but it is thought John fell from his bike and suffered hypothermia.

Now, just days before the third anniversary of his dad's tragic passing, three-year-old Harvey will take to the turf and swing the first kick at a match to raise money for John's former school, Atkinson House.

John's mum Jackie Richmond, 52, who has organised the event, said: "I am over the moon that Harvey will be taking part. It's what his dad would have wanted.

"Some people say you should try to move on, but this is a way of keeping John's memory alive. Every year is hard but we have to try and get on with it. I am just happy that Harvey is going to be involved.

"He asks about his dad all of the time and we all tell him stories about John, so it will be great to see him on the pitch."

Some of John's former teachers along with pupils from Atkinson House will be taking on a team from The Blagdon Arms pub, in Cramlington, for penalty shoot-outs and a match.

John's brother Andrew, 27, will also be playing at the event.

Harvey's mum, Jade Cleverley , 22, said: "I am really proud of Harvey. He was only eight-months-old when John died, but he talks about his dad all of the time."

The match takes place on tomorrow , at Alexandra Park, in Cramlington. Kick-off is at 2pm.

A fundraising night will also be held at the Cramlington village club on Wednesday, November 18, the date John died. Doors open at 7pm.

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