A CHARITY football match in memory of Darren Whittaker kicks-off at 7.45pm next Thursday night (Nov 13) at Atherton LR's Crilly Park ground in Spa Road.

Darren, of Weston Street, Atherton, who was just 23 when he lost his 30 month fight with lymphoblastic lymphoma, was studying to be a physiotherapist. He also had worked in the bakery at Somerfield's Tyldesley store.

The charity match is between Atherton LR reserves and a reformed LR u14s team from 1992 featuring Darren's old team-mates.

Already Darren's friends have raised over £1,300 to be divided between the Lymphoma Association and Christie's Hospital and match proceeds will provide a further boost. Admission to the game is free.