The mum of a Southerness teenager who died suddenly on holiday has organised a memorial football match in his honour.
Michelle Dunn set up the April 29 fixture between Heston Rovers and Greystone Rovers with the support of Queen of the South.
Her son Matthew passed away without warning on October 31 during a dream trip to Florida with dad Graham, step-mum Becky and brother Callum.
He would have been 17 on April 4 and Michelle wanted the game to be held close to his birthday.
St Joseph’s College student Matthew played for both Heston and Greystone and was a keen Queens and Leeds United fan.
Michelle told the News: “The match will kick off at Palmerston at 1pm. My concern was that Matthew was going to be forgotten and I just wanted to do something for him.
“He loved football and I know he would have wanted me to do this – that’s the kind of person he was.
“His wee sister Naomi, who’s five, will walk out beside the teams with the match ball on the day.
“And his wee brother Callum plays for Greystone.”
With the support of Queens, a prize raffle will be drawn at Palmerston after the game.
The club has also commissioned a special cup in memory of the talented young footballer.
Michelle, who promoted the match on local community radio station Alive, said: “It will be an annual event.
“Queens have donated a trophy for the fixture – the Matthew Dunn Memorial Trophy.
“There’s a silver plaque at the bottom of it where there’s space for 40 years of names.
“I just want the day to be a success – Matthew deserves it.
“I’d like to think he would have been quite proud of me and laughing at me being on a radio show!”
Well-known youth football referee Rab Blyth will be match official and the game will have an inclusive format.
Michelle, 42, said: “Heston and Greystone will play for an hour.
“Then for the final 30 minutes we’re going to mix the teams and bring in players from other clubs and Matthew’s former teammates.
“Matthew was a youth player for both sides and also played for the South West Regional squad up at Ayr.
“The prize raffle will be drawn live after the game.
“We have sold in excess of 7,000 tickets so far and there’s still a chance to buy them.
“Proceeds will be split 50-50 between Heston and Greystone.”
Michelle said: “The response has been phenomenal – both in terms of ticket sales and all the kind prize donations. It has been pretty amazing.”
