A CHARITY football tournament held every year in memory of a much-loved woman who died from cancer will mark its 10th anniversary this month later this month.

Hundreds of supporters are expected to take part in the competition at the Sacriston Football Ground in Sacriston, County Durham, on Saturday, May 25, to raise money for a cancer research charity.

The tournament is staged in memory of Mary Hayton from Sacriston, who died of pancreatic cancer in June 2003, aged 42.

After Mary’s death, her friends and family set up a memorial fund in her name to raise money for Cancer Research UK, which has since raised thousands of pounds for life-saving research.

Eileen Jones, Mary’s sister and event organiser, said: “Mary worked as a manager at the University Hospital of North Durham was much-loved in the communities of Langley Park and Sacriston.

“My brother Terence Murphy and Graeme Jones decided to set up a football match between the communities in memory of her.

“The first tournament was such a success it was held annually and has gone on since then.

“It is well attended by both communities, with everyone getting together to have a wonderful day.

“We have raised £35,500 in the last nine years and I think it is going to go on for many more years to come.”

The event starts at 9am with three matches, before the Sacriston WMC and Langley Park WMC play for the Mary Hayton Charity Shield at 12.30pm.

Hot dogs and burgers will be on sale at the Sacriston Cricket Club. The raffle’s first prize is an iPad donated by Bruce Crabbe of Abiliti Hearing of Langley Park, while the second prize is ten driving lessons, donated by Timmy Asquith, of Timmy’s Driving School.

There are also signed Sunderland AFC and Newcastle United football shirts.

At 6pm Sacriston WMC Club will present the North-East group Brigade. Tickets for the evening event are £5 and are available from the club or by contacting Mrs Jones on 07415900886.