A FOOTBALL match organised in the memory of a young man who captured the hearts of thousands aims to raise cash for charities chosen by his family.

The Luke Jobson Football Testimonial, on Friday, March 8, will kick off at Thornaby FC at 6.30pm and members of the public are welcome to attend.

Luke, 22, and from Thornaby, Teesside, died following a night out in Yarm in January.

His body was discovered in the River Tees after a major search including the emergency services and members of the public.

The Northern Echo:

Luke Jobson's parents, Lisa and Stuart, with a picture of their son as a young boy

At the time of the incident, police arrested six teenagers, but all have been released pending further investigation. 

Daniel Chaney was Luke's former football coach at Thornaby Central FC in the Teesside Junior Football Alliance.

He went there from the age of nine until he was 16.

Mr Chaney said he wanted to organise an event to help Luke's friends who were struggling with the grief of losing a friend so young.

He said his plans for a small, family and friends event quickly snowballed into a full community one.

He said: "A lot of the lads who played alongside Luke in his junior years still mixed in the same social circles, and it has been hard for them.

"I suggested putting the old team together and everyone jumped at the chance."

Following the match against Parkwood FC there will be music and entertainment.

Mr Chaney, who organised the event alongside fellow coach Nigel “Fudgie” Wilks, said: "The thing about Luke was that he had so many friends in different social circles – he was a really popular and well-liked lad.

"When he was missing I couldn't believe how many people turned up to help, both during the day and after finishing night shifts at 3am. It was emotional to see how he had touched so many people. Luke's parents are very keen that any proceeds raised should go to charities."

Proceeds will be split between The Friends of Early Support, the Boro Walkers and the Alfie Chaney Memorial Fund, set up in memory of Mr Chaney's son who died in 2008, aged nine weeks.