A CHARITY football match in memory of ‘incredible’ Kidderminster teen Aaron Mills has raised over £12,000 for a Meningitis charity.
Aaron Mills tragically died from Meningitis B, aged just 18, at the start of the year.
As Aaron had already been vaccinated for Meningitis, his parents believed he was protected, but he had caught a different strain, Meningitis B, which his vaccine did not help him with.
A game in his memory took place at Stourport Swifts Football Club on Saturday, May 16, as part of a bid to raise awareness about the impact of Meningitis B and how to protect yourself from it.
The game also raised £12,606 for charity Meningitis Now.
The game saw Team Asbo play against Team Swaz- teams named after two of Aaron’s nicknames.
Team Asbo lifted the Aaron Love Mills Cup, winning the game 6-4.
Around 600 people were there to watch, as well as 54 players, eight coaches, four match officials, a crazy giant football mascot, Deadpool and even Aaron’s dad, Anthony, dressed up as Ted Lasso.
There were pitch invasions and even a party on the pitch in the 18th minute of the second half, where players stopped playing, red and blue smoke filled the air, and everyone danced to ‘One Kiss’ by Dua Lipa, a song which was special to Aaron and his friends.
Football was Aaron’s true passion, playing every day at school with his friends and on several local teams, including Kidderminster Lions and Stourport Swifts.
He gave back to grassroots football by becoming a referee and coaching younger kids at Wolverly Swans.
He was studying football and science at Liverpool John Moore’s University, with the hope of being part of the coaching staff at a Premier League club, with his dream being to get a job at his beloved Liverpool.
Aaron’s dad, Anthony, told the Standard: “It was a special day and a perfect celebration for Aaron.
“Aaron’s favourite music played throughout the game- everyone helped to create an incredible atmosphere.
“The referees were great sports when Deadpool persuaded them to wear a tutu for the last ten minutes, and they even took part in a penalty shootout.
“The Big Asbo Raffle made £3000, The Swazauction made £2700.
“The total raised for Meningitis Now on the day was incredible.
“We want to give our biggest thanks to Stourport Swifts FC for letting us use their pitch and facilities.”
