Charity night in memory of cancer victim

Aug 28 2008 by Neil McKay, The Journal

A FOOTBALL shirt signed by England boss Fabio Capello is just one of dozens of items of sporting memorabilia to be sold in memory of a North East teenage cancer victim.

Mementos from the world of football, rugby, cricket, golf, boxing, darts and horse-racing will all go under the hammer to raise funds for the Teenage Cancer Trust and North East Cancer Research.

The auction is being held in memory of Liam Harker, 17, on October 3, in The Dolphin Centre in Liam’s home town of Darlington.

It is being jointly organised by Liverpool supporter John Doherty, 32, from South Pelaw, Chester-le-Street, County Durham, an exiled Liverpudlian who still travels to Anfield for every home game.

Mr Doherty had never met Liam, but was moved by the plight of his fellow Liverpool fanatic and helped organise a “banner night” before the team’s Champions League semi-final against Chelsea in April, just weeks before Liam died.

He said: “He was able to lie in bed and watch the game, and saw dozens of banners in the Kop with his name on, which made him very happy.”

Mr Doherty has been frantically ringing round his contacts in the sporting world to organise items for the auction.

As well as the Capello shirt, signed items have been donated by stars from Liverpool, Manchester United and Middlesbrough football clubs.

Durham cricketers sent a signed bat, while cricketers Freddie Flintoff and Ian Botham, boxers Ricky Hatton and Joe Calzaghe, golfers Seve Ballesteros and Nick Faldo, and darts player Phil Taylor are just some of a host of names to have donated to the auction.

Mr Doherty, who is organising the auction with fellow Liverpool fan Mark Hanson, from South Wales, said he hoped to raise “between £15,000 and £30,000” in Liam’s memory.

He said: “He was a young boy who had his life taken away by a cruel illness. The charity night at the Dolphin Centre is to let people know that Liam is still in our thoughts.”

Former Welsh international and Liverpool FC striker Dean Saunders will be guest speaker at the do, while Leon Lopez, of Brookside and Hollyoaks: In the City fame, together with comedians John Whale and Chris Ramsay will also provide entertainment.

Mr Doherty added: “Chester-le-Street company Jak Publications kindly printed the tickets and posters for free, which saved £300, and we are very grateful to them.”

Tickets are on sale at £20, including a hot buffet. Businesses are also invited to sponsor a table for £50. Mr Doherty is also appealing for a sponsor for the auction. Tel: (0191) 388-7718,