Tribute match for young footballer (From News Shopper)

Tribute match for young footballer

3:47pm Thursday 1st May 2008 in

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A CELEBRITY football match will be held in memory of a 17-year-old who died following a heart attack.

Matthew Webb, a pupil at Kidbrooke School, Corelli Road, died on March 29.

His brother 15-year-old brother Luke, who lived with him at the family home in Indus Road, Charlton, had noticed there was a problem early on the morning of March 28.

Father Tony Webb, 42, said: "His brother was shouting "Matthew, why are you breathing so heavily?"

"Then he realised Matty was unconscious."

An ambulance was called and Matthew was taken to Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Woolwich, where he later died.

Matthew had never had coronary problems before but a post-mortem showed his heart had failed.

An inquest is due to be held on June 27.

Mr Webb said: "He was such a lovely lad and he just didn't deserve it.

"Football was his passion.

"He was loved by everyone. He didn't care about himself, he cared more about other people."

Matthew, who played for Birchmere FC in Slade Green, Bexley, was a Charlton season ticket holder.

Now the parents of Kane Hoadley, one of Matthew's best friends, are organising a memorial match, due to take place in early June.

Celebrities taking part will include film actors Danny Dyer and Tamer Hassan, stars of The Football Factory, who will play alongside some of Matthew's friends against the Charlton Veterans team.

Money raised from the match will go to Matthew's parents for donation to a charity of their choice.

Mark Hoadley, 46, said: "We're trying to go round shops and other places in the area to make people aware of what happened to Matty.

The window fitter from Woolwich Common also said both Millwall and Charlton football clubs would be providing signed shirts and footballs as raffle prizes on the day of the match.

Mr Hoadley said: "Matty was a wonderful boy who was always making you laugh.

"You could be really down in the dumps and he'd just cheer you up."

Matthew also leaves behind mother Alison, 41, and his two sisters Lauren, 15, and Stevie, 21.