PROFESSIONAL footballers turned up to support a fundraising match held this afternoon in memory of a popular teacher who died last year, aged just 23.
Stephen Hughes, a teacher at Rydal Academy, in Darlington, died in October after suffering with a heart condition.
Mr Hughes began his teaching career at the school in 2012 and quickly set about re-establishing its football team, which was on hiatus.
Middlesbrough FC has loaned out its goalkeeping coach Leo Percovic to referee the match, which is being held to raise funds for the British Heart Foundation's Wear it Red campaign.
Among the first-team squad members to turn out in support were striker Patrick Bamford and defender George Friend
Mr Hughes' friends, family members and colleagues have backed the match, with members of the Boro's first-team squad acting as honorary managers of each of the teams.
Other activities lined up on what is a day of fundraising events include a sponsored skip, coffee afternoon and non-uniform day for the school's students.
After the game, headteacher John Armitage is expected to unveil a memorial window, dedicated to Mr Hughes, at the school.
Mr Armitage said that the day was about celebrating Mr Hughes’ impact on the school community and raising awareness of heart conditions, rather than mourning his passing.
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