Thetford football match held to celebrate the life of mother-of-two Nikki Cross raises more than £2,000 for charity

Ruby Dexter and Charlie Baxter collection donations during the memorial match held in honour of their aunt Nikki Cross. Picture: Sarah Butler (Image: Archant)

Thetford's two former rival high schools, Rosemary Musker and Charles Burrell, came together to once again battle for bragging rights in front of hundreds of people at Thetford Football Club.

The event was organised by the family and friends of Nikki Cross, nee Evans, who grew up in Thetford and was a member of Rosemary Musker's class of 1994.

Mrs Cross later moved to Hemel Hempstead and was tragically killed at her home in September 2015.

Nikki Cross. Picture: Fisher family (Image: Archant)

MORE - Charity football match in Thetford to celebrate life of mother-of-two Nikki Cross, who was 'loved by everyone'

Before the match - held to celebrate Mrs Cross' life by bringing together her friends and family - a minute silence was held.

The family of Nikki Cross are holding a charity event to celebrate her life and raise money for charity. Pictured are: Karon Fisher, centre, holding a picture of her daughter Nikki, with Nikki's sisters, Sarah Butler, left, and her son Charlie, five; and Rachelle Jeffrey, and her two-year-old daughter. Picture: DENISE BRADLEY (Image: Archant)

The score of the match, which was held on Friday, September 8, was Rosemary Musker 3-7 Charles Burrell.

Mrs Cross' sister Sarah Butler said: 'A lot of people got quite emotional and they said the minute silence was really lovely. It was just special and a really lovely tribute to Nikki.'

After the game people were able to write down their memories of Mrs Cross and hang them on a special display in the clubhouse.

There was an evening of live music from local acts including Alton Wahlberg, Little Miss and Striped Socks.

And a raffle and auction, which was supported by donations from numerous businesses from across the community, has so far raised more than £2,000.

The money will be given to two charities, Victim Support and Support after Murder and Manslaughter (SAMM), which have helped the family.

'It was just an amazing event and everyone loved it and are still talking about it now,' said Mrs Butler.

'I am still overwhelmed by it all. It was so busy and hectic but it was absolutely brilliant. It was nice to meet some of Nikki's old friends and hear some things about her.'

The family are now looking into making the Nikki Cross Memorial Football Match an annual event.

Karon Fisher, Mrs Cross' mother, thanked the football club for use of the venue and for all who helped to create the successful event - including organisers Andrew Kerling and Stewart Saleh.

She added people have told her the laughter and fun from the event could be heard across the town.