Special football match played to honour Penney

A memorial football match in honour of a popular grass-roots player who was killed in a crash has raised nearly £1,500.
Action from the memorial match between Embleton WR (orange and black tops) and Craster Rovers, in honour of Christopher Penney. Picture by Andy Cowan PhotosAction from the memorial match between Embleton WR (orange and black tops) and Craster Rovers, in honour of Christopher Penney. Picture by Andy Cowan Photos
Action from the memorial match between Embleton WR (orange and black tops) and Craster Rovers, in honour of Christopher Penney. Picture by Andy Cowan Photos

Christopher Penney died after a collision between his van and an HGV on the road between Longhoughton and Denwick on May 13 this year.

The 28-year-old, who was born and bred in Belford but was living in Longhoughton, was driving to pick up his friend on the way to work when the incident happened.

Christopher PenneyChristopher Penney
Christopher Penney
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His parents Sue and Charlie, and his long-term girlfriend Jamie Milligan, described him as fun-loving.

Football-mad Christopher played for North Northumberland League side Embleton WR and the club organised a memorial football match to remember and celebrate the life of the much-loved full-back.

The fixture against Craster Rovers took place last Friday at Embleton’s ground. Fittingly, Embleton won the match 3-1. A memorial bench was also unveiled and his loved ones attended the fixture.

A sum of £1,488 was raised for Embleton WR, as requested by Christopher’s family. Thanks have been given to everyone who supported the event.

Christopher PenneyChristopher Penney
Christopher Penney
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The reason for choosing Craster as the opposition was a special one; summing up Christopher’s character and love for the game.

Embleton’s Lee Renwick said: “Last season, Embleton found ourselves with nine men and we were playing Craster. We played the game that day and we won – defying the odds. One of the nine that day was Christopher Penney. He gave 110 per cent that day and showed true character. In honour of that game and to remember Christopher, we arranged the match against Craster.”