On the march for Max - Young footballers take to streets to raise money in memory of 'selfless and hard-working' Telford teen
Football-mad youngsters and their families have come together to raise money in memory of a much-loved teenager.
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Young footballers from Telford's NC United joined the family of Max Turton in taking part in a fundraising walk in aid of Papyrus - the national charity for the prevention of youth suicide.
Max, who was just 16, tragically took his own life on August 28 this year.
His family have committed to raising awareness of the charity and the issue - to try and stop any other young people and families suffering.
A fundraiser set up in memory of Max, who was a referee and linesman, has already raised more than £18,000 through a Just Giving page.
Youngsters from NC United's under-12s, who Max’s younger brother Ben plays for, walked from their clubhouse in Telford on Tolkien Way yesterday (Saturday, November 2) - through Wellington, collecting money for the charity as they went.
Max, who played for Lawley Lightmoor Stars before stopping to concentrate on his school work, refereed and ran the line at NC United and was highly thought of at the club.
His coach from Lawley Lightmoor, Darren Lewis, was among those on the walk. The club has retired Max’s number 16.
Max’s mum Katie and dad Chris told the Shropshire Star that Max was “very selfless and hard-working,” and that he would regularly go and visit his grandad suffering with dementia in a care home.
They also said he “loved football” and was a big Liverpool FC fan, having been to a game with his dad shortly before he died.
Max and Chris were also in Germany following England at the Euros in the summer, and Max was keen to go to university in Liverpool so he could get his hands on a season ticket for The Reds.
Since Max’s death, his loved ones and those who were close to him through football have aimed to raise awareness about mental health with young people, and a couple within Max’s peer group have reached out for support as a result.
Chris said: “We chose Papyrus because of the work they do with young people. It’s all about education making sure they have the support when they need it.”
Anyone who wishes to support the fundraising in Max's memory can do so by scanning the QR code in this article, or visiting the Just Giving page
