A charity match for Jack Marson's young son kicks off at Brentwood Town FC at 5.45pm on Sunday 20 September, with friends taking on a Celebrity XI.

Friends of Jack Marson will play a charity football match at Brentwood Town FC on Sunday 20 September. The money raised will go to his young son.

Jack died three weeks ago. His close friend Samuel Bantick is organising the match. He says Jack took his own life.

The home side, Mazzo XI, is made up of Jack’s friends. They will play a Celebrity XI.

The match at a glance
Where Brentwood Town FC
When Sunday 20 September
Gates open 5pm
Kick-off 5.45pm
Teams Mazzo XI v Celebrity XI
Raising money for Jack’s young son

Why they are playing

The main aim is to put money aside for Jack’s son. Samuel explained it in his own words when he wrote to us.

“The main aim of the day is to raise as much money as possible for Jack’s young son, who has now sadly had to grow up without his dad,” he said. “We want to put something aside for him so that when he reaches adulthood, he has some financial support and the best possible start in life.”

The day has a second purpose.

“We’re also using the event to raise awareness around suicide and the impact it has on families and the people left behind,” he said.

“Very close to home”

Samuel runs a business, Sam’s Sweets and Shakes. He has been using it, and the social media following he has built, to spread word of the match.

“This is something that is very close to home for me,” he said. “I’ve been using my own business, Sam’s Sweets and Shakes, along with the social media platform I’ve built, to help promote the event, raise awareness and bring people together for such an important cause.”

He hopes coverage will bring more people through the gates.

“It would mean a lot to us and would hopefully help us reach even more people and raise as much as we possibly can for Jack’s son,” he said.

What it means for you

The simplest way to help is to go along on Sunday evening. Gates open at 5pm and the game kicks off at 5.45pm.

The organisers have not yet named the players in the Celebrity XI. Anyone wanting details of the line-up or the day can contact Samuel through Sam’s Sweets and Shakes.

We will add the Celebrity XI line-up here if the organisers share it.

If you need support

If this story has affected you, you do not have to deal with it alone. Samaritans answers calls free, day or night, on 116 123, and by email at jo@samaritans.org.

Related: things to do in Brentwood.