Match players to stand silent in Gary tribute

Nov 3 2007 by Chris Robinson, The Journal

TEAM-MATES of a teenager killed in a hit-and-run will play a memorial football match in his honour tomorrow.

Gary Edgar, 16, died two weeks ago after being hit by a vehicle when he was crossing the A1 Western bypass in Gateshead.

Tomorrow, his team-mates at Blaydon Youth Club under-16s, who will make their first appearance on pitch since the tragedy, will wear black armbands as a mark of respect.

Gary, a pupil at Kingsmeadow Comprehensive School, Dunston, Gateshead, was a strong believer in organ donation.

His parents Alexander, 52, and Yvonne, 51, carried out his wishes after his death which in turn saved four lives as far away as Germany.

It is thought the couple, from Cromwell Avenue, Winlaton, will also be at the match.

Players from Gary’s team and Ryton FC will also join together for a minute’s silence before kick-off.

Coach Phil Little said it would be an emotional match, adding: “The lads wanted to get together and go ahead with the game.

“They want to enjoy the game as if Gary’s still with them. It is going to be emotional, but the lads are ready to get out there.”

The team arranged a special black-and-white wreath in the shape of a football shirt for the teenager’s funeral on Thursday, which had his player number, five, on it.

As a mark of respect, the team has decided to take out the number five from its team strips. Gary’s shirt is being signed by players at Newcastle United to be presented to his family.

Gary died in Newcastle General Hospital the day after the collision, which happened on the A1, 200 yards south of the A695 Blaydon slip road, at 12.25am on October 20. The vehicle which hit him was travelling north.

Anyone with any information is asked to call the Motor Patrols team at Whickham police station on (0191) 221-9540.