Online fundraiser after annual charity cup called off

A FUNDRAISER has been set up so those who were going to a postponed charity football game can still donate to the good cause.

The fifth annual Jack Patrick Cup, in aid of Help for Heroes, was set to take place in May, but had to be called off because of the coronavirus lockdown.

Jack was a much loved sportsman who died aged just 20 of Goodpasture’s disease, a rare autoimmune illness.

Organiser Ellis Hewins, from Earl Shilton, has set up a fundraiser on JustGiving where people can make a donation to Help for Heroes.

The yearly match is part of a series of events in Jack’s memory to raise funds for the military good cause, with more than £120,000 raised so far.

Ellis said: “Since Jack passed away his friends and family have been really committed to ensuring the memory of him lives on in all of us.

“Many have had tattoos and everyone has got involved in the fundraising, there’s many events from golf days to cricket tournaments

“But I organise the football match and it gives me a great sense of pride that over the years we have raised around £15,000 from this event alone.”

He added: “Jack was kind, funny and caring, he was always the first at the bar and the last one out.

“He loved Leicester city, cricket and music and he was such a family orientated young man.”

The game usually involves a team of Jack’s friends playing against a team from Notts Sport, a company owned by Shaun Patrick, Jack’s dad.

Shaun said: “In the five years since Jacko passed away, Ellis Hewins and his amazing friends have kept Jacko’s memory alive by organising this wonderful event.

“As a family it means so much to us all, and I know that the Help for Heroes charity is really appreciative of the money and awareness that it raises.”

Visit the JustGiving page make a donation. to