A CHARITY football match in memory of a beloved headteacher raised over £3,000 for a young people’s charity.

Witham’s community came together for a charity fundraiser in memory of Simon Gibbs, the headteacher of New Rickstones Academy, who was found unresponsive in France in February.

Last Saturday, a charity football match raised the money for Young Concern Trust, which was chosen by his family.

Held at Witham Town Football Club, one team consisted of Witham youth football coaches and the other was made of old and new staff who worked with Mr Gibbs.

Charity - The football match for Mr Gibbs raised over £3,000 for a charity of his family's choice. Charity - The football match for Mr Gibbs raised over £3,000 for a charity of his family's choice. (Image: Public) The Rickstones staff team won the match 6-1.

The game was organised by Sarah Smith, the coach for Witham Town Belles youth football club, who has children who were taught by Mr Gibbs.

Sarah said: “It was absolutely amazing— an absolutely fantastic day.

“Mr Gibbs’ wife and children attended as well, so they could see the support he has, and I got to give them their medals which was really lovely.

“So many kids from the schools came out and supported us—the youth get a lot of bad rep, but they were just brilliant.

“For a lot of the past students who couldn’t go to his funeral, it was lovely for them to come and do their goodbyes.”

Challenge - Both teams fought hard to win the match Challenge - Both teams fought hard to win the match (Image: Nigel Hakes)As well as the football match, visitors could also enjoy a variety of stalls including face painting, jewellery, teddy tombola, wax melts and more.

There was also a raffle, with prizes including a weekend in a residents’ caravan and hundreds of pounds worth of vouchers for local businesses.

Sarah added: “I think the support that Witham showed yesterday as a community was absolutely fantastic.

“It was great for the kids of Witham to see their teachers out playing football—it reminds you they’re all human."

Winners - The Rickstones staff team won their medals and a trophy Winners - The Rickstones staff team won their medals and a trophy (Image: Nigel Hakes)She added: “The highlight for me was being able to give something back, and I’ve had a few really lovely messages thanking me for organising it.

“We had a discussion this could be an ongoing thing for the next few years, so the children who remember him and learned from him can still celebrate his life.

“It was really, really nice.”