Touching tribute match marks the death of East Preston man

FRIENDS of an East Preston man who died after finishing the 2014 London Marathon have held a memorial football match to mark his tragic death.
By The Newsroom
Published 23rd Apr 2015, 15:00 BST
Robert Berrys old team mates united once again to play a match in memory of him SUS-150421-164723001Robert Berrys old team mates united once again to play a match in memory of him SUS-150421-164723001
Robert Berrys old team mates united once again to play a match in memory of him SUS-150421-164723001

Robert Berry, formerly of Old Worthing Road, collapsed after crossing the finishing line, dying later in hospital.

The news of his death inspired thousands of people to donate to his fundraising page, generating more than £73,000 in matter of days.

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One year on from Robert’s death, friends David Rosin and Barry Pigeon united with his sister, Janet de Buriatte, to hold the football match in Rustington, raising £500 for the National Osteoporosis Society.

As children, David and Barry were Robert’s team mates on the Rustington Otters Football Club.

The fundraiser saw 15 of Robert’s team mates go head-to-head with the current coaches and managers of the Otters.

David, 42, of East Preston, said: “When Rob passed away last year the first thing that myself and Barry thought was to hold a charity football match. Rob was a great guy.”

The match, held on April 12, was tied at 2-2.

Organisers wished to thank all the businesses and individuals that donated raffle prizes.

Related topics:East PrestonOrganisersRustington