More on KentOnline
More on KentOnline
More than 200 friends and family came together to support a charity football match held in memory of a popular teenager.
Former Meopham Secondary School pupil Elliott Holmes took his own life in June aged 19.
His death triggered an outpouring of grief in the community as friends left messages of support for the family and held a balloon release event in his memory.
On Saturday Elliott's friend Max Deakin helped organise a charity football match at Istead Rise recreational ground to spread greater awareness of mental health issues.
The game was contested between local side Istead Rise and an invitational squad, with all funds raised going towards mental health charity Mind.
It was officiated with the kind assistance of Dave Honeyman, Chris Warden and Dave Plumb, from the local Fatboys squad who regularly compete in over 50's international football competitions.
More than 200 of Elliott's friends and family turned out to watch the match which saw Istead Rise run out as eventual winners in a 4-2 victory.
A trophy was presented by Elliott's mum Kerry Holmes who also presented medals to both sides.
Overall, the event raised several hundreds pounds for Mind and was declared a great success by Elliot's step-dad Peter Scutts.
He said: "All played in a great spirit to remember Elliott and raise awareness of mental health, especially in young adults as it is on the increase."
Peter thanked the organisers and the local community for their support, adding "we will always remember your kindness".
He hopes the event might become a regular fixture in the calendar in future.
Friends have also set up a fundraising page for mental health charity Mind in Elliott's memory to raise awareness for those struggling and it has amassed more than £9,000 to date.
Click here to donate to the Mind fundraiser in memory of Elliott.
For confidential support on an emotional issue, call Samaritans on 116 123 at any time.
If you want to talk to someone confidentially, click here.
