A FOOTBALL match is being held in memory of two Basingstoke best friends to raise funds for hospice facilities for children and young people.

George Nash and Fred Elgar were friends for nearly 60 years, moving from London to Winklebury in the early 1960s, but in October 2020 they both sadly passed away.

After restricted funerals, their families decided to hold a football match to celebrate their lives, competing for their very own Winklebury Legend’s Trophy. All proceeds will be donated to Naomi House & Jacksplace, local hospices for children and young people.

George was a Crystal Palace supporter, so his friends and family will be making up the Crystal Palace side, and the Arsenal side will be made up of Fred’s friends and family as he was an Arsenal supporter.

The match will be held at the Hampshire FA Stadium in Winklebury on Saturday, July 17 from 2pm.

George’s wife, Cathy Nash, said: “I am so excited about this event and I am really looking forward to seeing family, friends, the good people of Winklebury to celebrate the lives of my dear husband George and his friend Fred.

"I was absolutely devastated when George passed away in October 2020 and could only have 30 people at his funeral. If things had been normal the chapel would have been bursting at the seams. I know George and Fred will be there with us on the day cheering on their teams whilst having a bit of banter between themselves.”

The event is open to all, and tickets are £6 (under 16’s are free with an accompanying adult). There will also be a raffle with tickets at £2 each, with all proceeds from the day going to Naomi House & Jacksplace.

To get match tickets and raffle tickets, contact Cathy Nash on 07443 922203, or to find our more information visit their Facebook event page: facebook.com/events/1217071908747215