Jason Ginnelly Memorial Match between Holy Trinity and Royal Mail Newark raises £1,150 for Pancreatic Cancer Research Fund

Newark’s Holy Trinity Church-affiliated football team continued their charity fundraising this year by taking on the team from Royal Mail Newark for the third Jason Ginnelly Memorial Fund event — raising £1,150 for charity.

Jason, who worked as a postman, and was actively involved with Holy Trinity football team, both as a player and manager, died in 2017 aged just 42, and his family, friends, team mates and work colleagues pay tribute to him through an annual football match fundraiser.

When a former colleague of Jason’s from Royal Mail Newark, Andy Gibson, died suddenly of pancreatic cancer last year, the teams decided it was fitting to fundraise for a charity that was relevant to him.

They chose to donate the money to Pancreatic Cancer Research Fund, because it was discovered that research into this cancer is significantly underfunded, and also hopefully raise more awareness of this disease.

The match, won by Royal Mail 4- 2, was played at the YMCA Sports Facility in Newark, and was followed by a barbecue and raffle at the Holy Trinity Community and Partnership Centre.

Andy Gibson’s two sons — Charlie and Brad, both players for Holy Trinity FC, chose to play for Royal Mail Newark in honour of their dad and ended up on the winning side.

Jason’s mum, Sue, said he would have been really proud to see how much was raised to help others.

Maggie Blanks, chief executive of Pancreatic Cancer Research Fund, said: “Pancreatic cancer receives less than 2% of overall research funding, so every penny our supporters raise makes a real difference.

“This is a fantastic amount to raise and a lovely tribute to both Jason and Andy.

“We’re very grateful to everyone involved.

“The money will be put to great use, funding world class research from experts all over the UK to find ways to detect the disease earlier and find new treatments.”

November is Pancreatic Awareness Month.