MORE than 200 people turned out in support of a charity football match, played by teams from Charfield and Wotton in memory of crash victim Jack Jones.

Jack, 22, was a former player for Charfield AFC and was still considered very much an active part of the team spirit at the club when he sadly passed away last month following a car accident on Wotton Road.

With his team set to play local rivals Wotton Rovers last Saturday in the league, managers and players came together to use the opportunity to raise money in his memory.

In the end Charfield’s first team walked away victorious with a 3-2 win, while the reserve match finished 2-2. 

Jack’s best friend and Charfield AFC manager-captain, Adam Spiers, said: “The level of support from everyone, both the fans and players, was unbelievable. Jack would have loved it, especially Charfield winning!

“Charfield was a big part of his life, having played from a young age. He was always a big character in the team, winding up whoever we were playing and supporting Charfield when he wasn’t playing.

“That day will be something that will stay with me for the rest of my life.

“A big thank you goes out to everyone there, as without them, the day could not have happened.”

Jack was well known and liked by both teams playing, with Wotton chairman Zoe Taylor saying she had never seen Synwell Social Club so full.

She said: “The sheer number of his friends that came out to support this event in his memory was overwhelming, and hopefully showed Jack’s family that attended just how well liked he was.”

An incredible total of £1,865 was raised on the day, which will be added to funds being raised for a defibrillator at Charfield Memorial Hall, where his team play their home games, altogether having already surpassed £8,200.

More funds are expected to come in from a non-uniform day held at Jack’s former school Katharine Lady Berkeley’s School in Wotton and further donations from businesses in the area.
Any additional funds raised will go towards paying for Jack’s funeral.

“It’s amazing to have raised so much for a brilliant cause, and Wotton Rovers are immensely proud to have been involved in the effort,” said Zoe. 

“I think what we’ve achieved as a community really hit home when we saw how much it meant to Jack’s family. Huge credit to the unbelievable generosity of everyone that came to support the day. 

“Both matches were played in totally the right spirit and the players were a credit to their respective clubs.

“Thanks must go to both league referees who donated their match-fees to our fundraising efforts.”

To donate to the fundraising efforts, visit www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/jackjones1.