A FOOTBALL match set to last 12 hours is being hosted by four Hampshire teenagers in honour of their friend.

The event is being held on June 15 to remember Dylan Vanhear, from Lordswood, who died after being diagnosed with tumours on his spinal cord.

Although they were removed after a seven hour operation, complications meant the surgery left him in a wheelchair.

Dylan spent ten months in hospital and managed to raise £10,000 for Southampton Children’s Hospital before passing away a week after his 13th birthday in September 2016.

Now 15-year-olds Harry McGowan, Harrison Wynn-Challis, Ryan Ford and Sam Rossiter are teaming up to raise money for Dylan’s Quest - a charity that helps families looking after children with terminal illnesses.

Michelle Vanhear, Dylan’s mother, said: “The football match is a nice way to carry on Dylan’s legacy, because he was very sporty, a big Saints and Man City fan. It is all the boys idea and they need 132 players for the day.

“It is a continuous 12 hour game and everyone is guaranteed two hours of play, but it is not a competition.

“The boys have big expectations and there will be a crossbar challenge, which is where you kick the ball from the halfway line onto the crossbar, and the event will be family-friendly.

The football match will be held at Testlands Hub, Green Lane, Southampton, and residents are encouraged to seek sponsorship for the match as all of the proceeds will be donated to Dylan’s Quest.

Football-lovers will be able to enjoy the bouncy castle, a tombola stall, sweet cones, a paper aeroplane target, as well as snacks and drinks.

An ice cream van and hot refreshments will be served on the day and the event starts at 8am and finishes at 8pm.

Michelle added: “The boys would be absolutely over the moon if they got all 132 players and it is about raising money and awareness.”

Players must pay a £5 fee for the football match and the organisers are looking for trained volunteers to referee.

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