A CHARITY football game in aid of mental health charities has been declared a big success.
George Rabbett-Smith, from Bowes, tried to take his own life on June 4 and is now in Middlesbrough’s James Cook University Hospital, fighting for his life.
His friends have rallied round to raise money for mental health charities.
They organised a football match last Saturday at Green Lane football pitch, in Barnard Castle.
The funds are going to the Young Minds Trust, a charity that aims to make sure all young people can get the mental health support they need.
George’s mum, Hilary, said: “There were about 100 people there which given the weather was good.
“We raised £713 on the day – which means with all the fundraising activities put together, we have raised £9,039 which is a phenomenal effort in about four weeks.”
The teams were made up of George’s friends from Teesdale School and Darlington Queen Elizabeth Sixth Form College, where he was a first year student.
Jack Kelsey, captaining Barnard Castle Yellows, said he was very pleased with the number of players who had turned out to support the event.
He said: “The game is to raise awareness of men’s mental health issues so lads can talk without feeling any stigma.”
Kasim Asif, skippering Barnard Castle Blues, described George as “like a brother to us” .
He added: “Guys need to know it is okay to talk about their feelings.”
George’s family say he is still in a coma but is making slow but steady progress.
His mum said: “He is breathing more and more independently all the time and is more responsive.”
For more information and for fundraising links, including the football match, visit https://imgeorgesmate.weebly.com
