First annual Reece Holt football match at Morecambe FC raises £10,000 for cancer charity

More than £10,000 was raised at the weekend after the first annual Reece Holt Cup was held at Morecambe FC’s Globe Arena.
Chris and Dave Holt with the match officials before the Reece Holt Memorial Cup match. Photo by Chris Brown Photography.Chris and Dave Holt with the match officials before the Reece Holt Memorial Cup match. Photo by Chris Brown Photography.
Chris and Dave Holt with the match officials before the Reece Holt Memorial Cup match. Photo by Chris Brown Photography.

The charity football match on Sunday afternoon honoured Reece’s memory and also raised money for Team Reece, the charity set up by the late 13-year-old after he was diagnosed with a rare brain cancer.

Reece passed away in January after a long battle with the disease.

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The day was organised by Reece’s uncle, Dave Holt, who captained one of the two teams, while Reece’s dad Chris Holt was the other captain.

Dave Holt with his team at the Reece Holt Memorial Cup match. Photo by Chris Brown Photography.Dave Holt with his team at the Reece Holt Memorial Cup match. Photo by Chris Brown Photography.
Dave Holt with his team at the Reece Holt Memorial Cup match. Photo by Chris Brown Photography.

Dave’s team came out as 4-1 winners.

At half-time there was a free prize draw, and following the match, there was a presentation evening and disco.

There was also a raffle and an auction with prizes on offer including a pair of football boots signed by Liverpool FC legend Steven Gerrard and a shirt and boots signed by Manchester United player and local lad Scott McTominay.

Reece’s mum Rachel O’Neil said the day was a big success, with around 350 people turning out to watch.

Chris Holt (centre) with his team at the Reece Holt memorial Cup match. Photo by Chris Brown Photography.Chris Holt (centre) with his team at the Reece Holt memorial Cup match. Photo by Chris Brown Photography.
Chris Holt (centre) with his team at the Reece Holt memorial Cup match. Photo by Chris Brown Photography.
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“It was brilliant,” she said. “The early total we have is more than £10,000, which is amazing.

“The weather was absolutely perfect, and the presentation evening was a huge success as well.

“It was something different and I really enjoyed it, and we will be back with it next year.

“It was great to see the community come together and to see so many people come and support us.”

Rachel added her thanks to Dance Design, who performed on the pitch, and also Howden’s, who sponsored the event.

Photos by Chris Brown Photography.