A MEMORIAL football match for a teenage sports enthusiast who died after an asthma attack will take place this weekend.
The Joe Dale Memorial event will take place on what would have been the weekend before Joe’s 18th birthday and will raise money for causes which looked to help him and his family.
Three matches will be played on the day, with teams made up of Joe’s friends and ex-teammates, as well as his younger brother Matt and dad Jon.
“It’s something we wanted to organise last year but it was too soon, so we thought we’d do it for his 18th birthday,” said mum Helena, 49, of Loxdale Gardens, Barnsley.
“We should be organising an 18th but at least we can celebrate it with him in a way.
“Joe was such a kind generous person, he would do anything for anybody. We want to give back to the people who tried so hard to save him.
“The Air Ambulance were there when it happened, Barnsley Hospital’s intensive care unit looked after him and tried their hardest, and Bluebell Wood supported us throughout. We also wanted to donate to Asthma UK to hopefully stop anyone else going through what we have gone through.”
Joe died aged 16 after a sudden asthma attack caused his heart to stop whilst he visited a friend in Silkstone last July.
The Penistone Grammar School pupil would have been 18 on September 14.
There will be food and refreshment stalls, as well as music and a raffle.
The family is also auctioning off a pair of tickets for a tour of the McLaren factory.
Joe’s older sister Abbie, 24, wrote to Fernando Alonso, Joe’s favourite Formula One driver, and received the tickets and a letter in return.
Funds can be donated online at virginmoneygiving.com/Team/JoeDale27.
