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Former Folkestone charity man and footballer Mark Stanton remembered a decade after his death for the first of what will become an annual Stanton Cup tradition – with 15-year-old five-goal son Cody starring!

05:00, 14 July 2023

updated: 12:00, 14 July 2023

Former Folkestone charity man and striker Mark Stanton was remembered a decade after his death at Three Hills Sports Park on Sunday for the first of what will become an annual “Stanton Cup” tradition.

A high-scoring friendly between South Kent Community Church and Barton Church Canterbury ended 10-1, with Stanton’s son, 15-year-old Cody, scoring five goals for SKCC.

South Kent Community Church - winners of the first annual Stanton Cup friendly on Sunday. Picture: Family Handout
South Kent Community Church - winners of the first annual Stanton Cup friendly on Sunday. Picture: Family Handout

It took place to celebrate Stanton’s passion for sport while raising money for charity Mission Aviation Fellowship, where he worked for 11 years and met his wife Fiona in 2002.

He died in June 2013, aged 44, after a five-year battle with Motor Neurone Disease, leaving behind wife Fiona and two children, Cody and Lorelai, now 12.

He scored twice in an FA Cup replay for Ashford United at Fulham in 1994. Stanton also played for Folkestone Invicta and Hythe Town.

Invicta joint-boss Micheal Everitt, who played for SKCC, described him as “very talented and naturally gifted”, adding: “Mark’s biggest strength was that he was humble and always tried to encourage and help others with that big Stano smile.”

Raising a glass of blackcurrant and lemonade - Stanton’s favourite post-match drink - with the players, Fiona said: “It’s been a really special way to remember Mark and I know he would have absolutely loved it - especially seeing Cody smash top goal scorer!

“I want to thank all the players and supporters who are helping to keep Mark’s incredible memory alive.”

More than £9,000 has been raised for Mission Aviation Fellowship in Stanton’s memory.

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