The family of a student killed in Southampton have spoken about the ‘incredible’ support they’ve received from the community, ahead of a charity football match in his memory.
Henry Nowak, 18, from Chafford Hundred, Essex, was an accounting and finance student at Southampton University, who died on December 3 after suffering stab wounds during a night out.
Teammates from the two university football teams he played in have organised a memorial football match at AFC Totton for Sunday, February 22, which would have been the weekend of Henry’s 19th birthday.
All the profits from the event will go towards 2Wish, a charity which supports the family of children who have died unexpectedly.
Almost £10,000 has already been raised ahead of the event, which is being sponsored by Southampton University, the university’s student union and NIC Services Group.
Lucy Ross, Henry’s mum, said: “It has meant the world to me that Henry’s friends wanted to keep Henry’s name out there and see what they could do to help, it means the world.
“It helps me, when I’m having a bad day.”
She said she has been incredibly touched by the amount of people in the Southampton community that have come together for this match.
Lucy said: “He touched so many people in his short time here.
“It’s so hard to put into words how grateful I am, I wish I could thank everyone individually."
Lucy hopes the charity match will be a place for people to channel their energy into a good cause, like it has been for Henry’s football friends.
“It’s such a sad situation,
“I don’t have the best memories associated with Southampton, but I know a lot of people are making a lot of effort and I think it will be uplifting.
Recommended reading:
-
Family of 'caring' teen who took his own life say they are 'devastated'
-
Hospital charity pledges £12,500 for staff and patients after fire horror
“I know it’s going to be a good day, even for the wrong reasons.”
Katie Nowak, Henry’s stepmum, said: “For us it’s a really poignant day, Henry’s 19th birthday would have been the next day, so it feels like the perfect place to come together and remember Henry.
“I don’t think anything really helps, but the generosity and kindness has helped as much as anything can.”
“Its been incredible, knowing everyone has come together.
“Henry means so much to us, knowing he had such an impact in such a short amount of time is everything.”
