Legends face off in memory of local football hero
Getty ImagesA charity football match involving "Legends" of Cumbrian football will mark what would have been the 50th birthday of a player who turned out for the county's biggest clubs.
Tony Hopper, who spent 10 years hometown side Carlisle United and had spells with Barrow and Workington, died in 2018 having been diagnosed with motor neurone disease (MND) a year earlier.
To mark his birthday, his widow Sue has organised a charity game at Penrith's Frenchfield Park on Sunday and said her fundraising activities also help keep Tony's memory alive for their sons.
"I want them to remember him, I want them to talk about him because he's not here but he's still part of their lives so significantly," she said.
"His legacy is the fact that people keep showing up to raise money in his memory."
Sunday's contest, billed as a "Legends" match between Carlisle United and a team of former Workington and Penrith players, will raise money for the MND Association and Eden Valley Hospice.
David HollinsSue Hopper began organising the game at the end of last year, but was then diagnosed with bowl cancer on 19 December.
She underwent surgery in March and is currently undergoing chemotherapy.
"It's been tough but I've been trying to just do a couple of hours each day," she said.
Son Dan was 11 when his dad died and has followed in his footsteps.
"I've played for Carlisle and Workington, two of the clubs he was at for the longest and it's really special when I play for these clubs as there's still staff members and fans that remember him and were there when he was there," he said.
The 19-year-old midfielder said events like the Legends match help him remember his father.
"It's his perfect weekend really, having a party and playing football with all of his closest friends there," he said.
"I don't think there's a better better way to celebrate his 50th birthday."
