A CHARITY football match help in memory of a much-loved dad as been hailed as a huge success as his family hope to make it an annual event. 

Richard Sawyer, 47, from Leigh, tragically passed away on August 16 while on holiday in Spain, leaving behind his partner, Emma Mann, 45, and his son, Daniel Mann, 24.

His sudden passing left his family heartbroken, but they are determined to raise awareness in his memory.

Heartbreak - Richard Sawyer, with partner Emma Mann, and son, Daniel MannHeartbreak - Richard Sawyer, with partner Emma Mann, and son, Daniel Mann (Image: Daniel Mann)


To honour Richard, a charity football match was played on Saturday at Stambridge Memorial, raising money for the charity Cardiac Risk in the Young.

Richard was a coach and committee member at Corinthians in Southend and had previously played for Battlesbridge FC and a “best 11” from the two teams went head to head for the game. 

Now, his son Daniel Mann, is hoping the charity match can become an annual event to remember his dad and raise as much money as possible for charity. 

Legacy - Richard's son, Daniel Mann, leads the team outLegacy - Richard's son, Daniel Mann, leads the team out (Image: Nicky Hayes)


He said: “It was wonderful to see so many people who meant so much to Richard attend and give their time in his memory.

“Corinthians won the game 3-2, and it was particularly lovely that I was able to play for both teams during the game.

“It was great to see so many people in attendance, to not only celebrate the life of Richard but to raise much needed funds for heart screening in the young.

Charity - The teams pay tribute to RichardCharity - The teams pay tribute to Richard (Image: Nicky Hayes)


“We are hoping to make this football match an annual event so that the legacy of Richard continues for years to come.”

Cardiac Risk in the Young is a charity that raises awareness of young sudden cardiac death, supports those affected, supports CRY’s screening programme and funds research and pathology.

Support - The charity football game in actionSupport - The charity football game in action (Image: Nicky Hayes)

A spokesman for his club, Corinthians, added: “What an honour it was for the club to host a special evening in the memory of our friend Richard Sawyer.

“A packed Stambridge under the lights and a great game won by Corinthians 3-2.

“Richard would have loved it, he would have been so proud of everyone.

“We do it all again next year.”