Star-studded charity football game in memory of best pal

Leeds United-mad Michael Kew, from Kettlethorpe, died aged just 40 after losing a battle with cancer in April.

Now his best friend, Darren Powell, is organising a special football match which will be held at Barnsley’s Oakwell football ground in June to raise money for charity that supported his pal.

The pair travelled the country together to watch the Whites play until Mr Kew was diagnosed with bladder cancer last year.

Mr Powell, from Hall Green, said: “Michael and I were best friends and had known each other many years. We had a bond that no one could break and we went all over the country watching our beloved Leeds United. We loved every minute of it and shared many beers, laughs and lots of parties and we lived for our football team.

“Before Michael passed away we said to each other best friends never die, they live forever.”

The charity football match is raising money for Macmillan Cancer Support. It will take place on June 12, and feature stars from ITV soap Emmerdale.

Premier League Referee Jon Moss, from Leeds, will be taking charge of the game.

Stacey Rhodes, Macmillan fundraising manager, said: “We are so grateful to Darren for choosing to support Macmillan by organising this event.

“As Darren knows too well, cancer is the toughest fight most of us will ever face. If you or a loved one has been diagnosed.”

The event next month will also include a raffle and face painting. Tickets cost £5, or £2 for children, contact 07548 475116.