More than 150 people gathered to remember an inspirational teenager as a charity football match was hailed as a success.
Relatives and friends of popular Lowestoft youngster Rory Davies were among those who turned out once more to watch the annual match last week.
They joined together to take part in a minute's applause in honour of the much-loved Benjamin Britten Academy of Music and Mathematics (BBMA) – formerly Benjamin Britten High School – student, who died in March 2011 aged 15 after bravely fighting brain and spinal cancer.
The teenager was remembered during a keenly-contested match, which is held annually as a legacy of raising thousands of pounds for a very worthy cause.
Following his death, people in the Lowestoft area rallied round to help raise money in Rory's memory, with thousands of pounds donated to the Teenage Cancer Trust and also the teenage cancer unit at Addenbrooke's Hospital, Cambridge, where Rory was treated.
Last Wednesday, May 2, the Rory Davies memorial charity football match was held at Walmer Road – home of Kirkley and Pakefield FC – as students in years 10 and 11 at BBMA battled it out.
Rory, who loved football, music and earned a black belt in the martial art Kuk Sool Won, was fondly remembered on the night as £570 was raised. This money will be sent to the Teenage Cancer Trust, which is supported by the Davies family.
With the memorial match held each year, the event has now raised almost £10,000 for the Teenage Cancer Trust charity. Match organiser Bryan David, a teaching assistant at the academy in Blyford Road, said: 'It was another great evening with £570 raised for the Teenage Cancer Trust. We are nearly at the £10,000 mark now which is amazing.
'The students behaviour on the night was first class and a lot of people commented on that, which is great. Rory's family were there on the night and they are grateful that we carry this on – and long may it continue.
'It was a great evening again with a coming together of young people as everyone enjoys it.'
Organisers said they were grateful to Kirkley and Pakefield for the use of its facilities, the referee Gary High and officials Ivan Powell and Barry Ereira for giving up their time to officiate, all the Benjamin Britten students who took part, former students Will Rowley and Matthew Spurgeon for their help and support, Helen for organising the raffle and all the people who turned up and gave so generously on the night.
And after a closely fought encounter, there was a first at this year's match – as the game was decided by a penalty shoot out. With the scores level at 2-2 after 90 minutes, it was the Year 10 side who triumphed on penalties and they were presented with the memorial cup by Rory's brother Max.
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