A charity football match is set to be held in memory of a beloved brother who took his own life after "struggling with his demons" for years. 

John Hebden, from Darlington, was 43 when he took his own life on July 27, 2022. 

John's sister-in-law explained that he had "had his demons", and had been "in a dark place for a very long time" when he completed suicide last summer.

John's loss had a devastating impact on the family, and only months later they lost John's mother to brain cancer. 

But now John's brother and sister-in-law Kev and Mandy Phillips, and family friend Barry Raper are organising a football game in his memory and will be raising money for mental health charities. 

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The players will be raising money for Survivors of Bereavement by Suicide (SOBS) and the Harvey McWilliams Foundation, both of which provide mental health support for those in the County Durham and Teesside locale. 

"We're hoping for 16 players on each side, and will have collection buckets out and raffle tickets for sale too," Mandy said. 

"Man Health [a men's mental health charity] has done amazing things for Kev after his brother and mother's deaths. He struggled with his own mental health after their passing but talking to volunteers really helped.

"He told me that he hopes that he'll be able to help someone struggling and have a proper conversation about it at the match. 

Read more: Darlington charity walk for ManHealth in memory of Harvey McWilliams

"Kev said he'll have done his job if he manages to help just one person."

The game will kick-off at 10:30 am on Sunday, August 6, at the Eastbourne Complex.

The Wheatsheaf, on Yarm Road, will be accommodating the group after the match. 

If you're struggling with your mental health or just want to chat, you can call the Samaritans any time, day or night for free on 116 132.