Friends of a Blantyre man who died suddenly following a brain aneurysm last month are getting together for a football match in his memory.
Much-loved Steven Doherty was a fit and healthy dad-of-two but he had complained of headaches in the weeks prior to his death. He had went to his bed on July 4 and failed to wake up the following morning.
He sadly passed away days later at Glasgow's Southern General Hospital, aged just 38.
Now, Steven's pals will pay tribute to him in a special memorial match at Hamilton Accies' ground (the Fountain of Youth Stadium) next Saturday, August 14.
It will be played by Hamilton Accies Supporters Club and Blantyre Victoria, two teams Steven was associated with over the years, playing for both.
The match will be kicked off by Steven's young children, Kyle, eight, and Kayden, five, in a touching moment to the adored dad.
Organising the event, one of Steven's friends Derek Kelly said it's the perfect way to pay tribute to his pal who will be hugely missed.
Derek told Lanarkshire Live : "It brings the three things Steven loved the most together, his family, his friends and football.
"We asked his mum and dad permission for this game before we even started to plan anything as we didn’t want to upset them by going ahead with it. They were delighted and grateful that we had thought of this."
Managing the Blantyre Vics side will be John Hunter, who remembers Steven as a "diamond" of a person as well as talented on the pitch.
He said: "Steven grew up with us and he was a keen football player so it's a great way to remember him.
"It's a nice thing to do for his family and for him. It was a really big shock what happened.
"I always remember Steven from school, such a nice boy, and a diamond of a person. He loved his family, loved his kids and loved his football.
"We thought this would a fitting tribute to Steven, he was a great football player.
"I had him back playing for us at the Vics, he helped me out in a couple of games then and it was great to see him there again. He's played football at various levels over the years."
On the day, collection buckets will be on hand for anyone wishing to donate and support Steven's family at this difficult time.
A post by Derek to announce the game read: "On the 9th of July, Steven’s mum and dad made the hardest decision any parent will ever have to make by switching off the machines that were keeping him alive.
"A young man who had a lot to live for was cruelly taken from this world. John Hunter and myself spoke to a few of our other mates and decided we’d have a charity game in honour of Steven."
Locals are invited to attend the match which kicks off at 3pm on Saturday, August 14, but further information on restrictions are still to be confirmed.
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