Leicester sporting legends and celebrities kicked off an annual charity football tournament organised by students from De Montfort University Leicester (DMU).
Former Leicester Tigers lock, Martin Johnson played alongside Leicester City legends Muzzy Izzet and Steve Walsh in a Joe Humphries Memorial Trust (JHMT) select XI against men and women from DMU’s football clubs at Goals on Wakerley Road.
JHMT, the charity the tournament supports was organised by the university’s football clubs thanks to a long-standing partnership the charity has with De Montfort Students’ Union (DSU).
The opening fixture which also featured local musician Jersey Budd and boxer Rendell Monroe was followed by a 5-a-side tournament in which 42 student teams entered, with entry fees going direct to the charity.
Steve Humphries, Chair of JHMT said: “On behalf of everyone at JHMT, a huge thank you to all the DMU students who once again prove to be ‘great sports’ at this year’s annual Goals tournament.
“We are delighted the event was so well-attended by members and friends involved with the men’s and women’s football clubs.
“Once again, I would like to congratulate the clubs for organising the event and in particular Chairman Elliott Watts who helped make the event possible.”
The JHMT charity was set up in 2012, after Steve’s son Joe, tragically died from Sudden Adult Death Syndrome (SADS) whilst out running with his friend.
The charity aims to break silence of SADS and create a new generation of young life saver and inspire young people.
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DMU Men’s Football club Chairman Elliott Watts said: “We’re delighted to play our part as we continue to support JHMT’s vital community work to tackle SADS and raise the awareness of undiagnosed heart conditions which can affect healthy young people aged 12-35.”
In addition to the tournament, students were encouraged to make donations to the charity to support its work and also to take part in a raffle.
Steve said: “The relationship between JHMT and DSU continues to go from strength to strength as the vital work goes on to create a heart safe community across the university campus.
“As shown by the strength and depth of this year’s JHMT team, it demonstrates how important the DSU efforts are so well appreciated and important in the Trust’s ongoing fight to reduce the incidence of young people, 12-35 years old from undiagnosed heart conditions.”
Keep an eye out for more charity work with JHMT in the coming months and also some exciting on campus initiatives which will help to protect the safety of staff, students and the local community.
Posted on Thursday 2 February 2017