Charity football tournament draws in crowds to honour tragic teen Oliver

Hundreds of balloons, each with personal messages attached to them from friends and family, were released at a special charity day in honour of tragic teen Oliver McIvor.
The teams and relatives at the charity football tournament to honour Oliver McIvor who died in January at the age of 17.The teams and relatives at the charity football tournament to honour Oliver McIvor who died in January at the age of 17.
The teams and relatives at the charity football tournament to honour Oliver McIvor who died in January at the age of 17.

And Oliver's favourite song, Wings by Birdy, played as the balloons flew into the sky.

Over 600 people went along the charity football match and fun day organised by Oliver’s young cousins Bobby (17) and 16-year-old Brandon Carter at Burnley’s Belvedere Football Club.

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A junior football tournament saw 20 teams from across Lancashire take part and Pendle Forest won.

Cousins Bobby (left) and Brandon Carter who organised a charity football tournament in memory of their cousin, Oliver McIvor.Cousins Bobby (left) and Brandon Carter who organised a charity football tournament in memory of their cousin, Oliver McIvor.
Cousins Bobby (left) and Brandon Carter who organised a charity football tournament in memory of their cousin, Oliver McIvor.

A team from Oliver’s former school, Shuttleworth Community College, Padiham, then played a team of his pals and relatives, who wore kits bearing Oliver’s name and age, and won 5-3.

Trophies were presented to the victors by Oliver’s mum, Tracey Barnett and his dad, Vincent McIvor.

There was a raffle and auction and the band Static entertained the crowds in the evening.

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The day raised around £3,500 which will go towards a charity chosen by Oliver’s family.

Hundreds turned out at a charity football tournament in honour of young soldier Oliver McIvor who died in January at the age of 17.Hundreds turned out at a charity football tournament in honour of young soldier Oliver McIvor who died in January at the age of 17.
Hundreds turned out at a charity football tournament in honour of young soldier Oliver McIvor who died in January at the age of 17.

Oliver, of Sabden, died in January just after completing his induction and training ready to join the Duke of Lancaster’s Regiment and he was preparing to celebrate his 18th birthday.

Brandon's dad, Nick Carter, said: "We were overwhelmed at the number of people who turned out to support us.

"It was a great day but also very emotional and moving."

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