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Charity football match at Maidstone United's Gallagher Stadium to be held in memory of player and coach Reece van Sertima

14:08, 14 April 2023

updated: 10:29, 16 April 2023

A charity football match celebrating the life of a much loved and missed young man is taking place this weekend.

Reece van Sertima died when he was hit by a lorry on the A228 between Malling Road and Rocfort Road in Snodland in October.

Reece van Sertima, 20, died after being hit by a lorry in Snodland
Reece van Sertima, 20, died after being hit by a lorry in Snodland

The 20-year-old was a player at Maidstone United Raiders for 10 years and was beginning to take his fitness and coaching badges with the club.

A game between the raiders side and a team made up of Reece's family, friends and staff from their local pub, The Old Rectory, will take place at the Gallagher Stadium tomorrow at 2pm.

Head of disability football at Maidstone United, Lorraine Humm, explained Reece's family, teammates and friends are still dealing with the devastating loss six months on.

She said: “Reece was taken far too young and we were all devastated by the news.

"He touched so many hearts and we all wanted to get together to celebrate his life.

A charity match will be held on Saturday, April 15, at the Gallagher Stadium in Maidstone
A charity match will be held on Saturday, April 15, at the Gallagher Stadium in Maidstone

“The support we’ve had has been amazing and means the world to us.

"Thank you to everyone who has donated a raffle or auction prize, we’re overwhelmed by the response.”

Tickets cost £3 person, with free admission for those under 12, and there will be a number of multiple matches involving the Raiders teams before the main match at 2pm.

Proceeds from the match will go towards The Stones Community Trust and a charity of Reece's family's choosing.

A raffle and auction will take place in the Spitfire Lounge after the game, with a range of prices up for grabs.

You can find out about all the prizes, or take part in the silent auction here.

Some of those include Crystal Palace and Charlton Athletic tickets, a free gym membership, a bungee jump, a one-night glamping stay and a free two hour tattoo session at the Union Tattoo Shop in Maidstone.

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