Massive support for a football match in memory of young Broadstairs man Gabriel Farmer has helped raise more than £3260 for a new mental health charity.
Gabriel lost his life to suicide on May 14 aged just 23. His mum Louise Knight had fought to get him help for depression and anxiety but struggled to access to professional services.
Louise is now setting up the Angel Gabriel Charity, determined to help others and make sure no family has to endure the pain of losing a loved one to suicide.
The aim of the charity is to help people pay for private healthcare and therapy so they get the help and support immediately, when they need it, and not have to wait for weeks to get an appointment.
Friends of Gabriel have set up fundraising events to help Louise get the charity started and the first of those took place on Sunday (June 4).
Organised by Jamie Bowen, Gabe’s Game took place at Margate FC’s ground at Hartsdown with friends making up the teams and Gabriel’s mum Louise, sister Lilli and girlfriend Shannon among those in attendance.
Jamie said: “It was bittersweet but great to see everyone come together in such a hard time. The support was unreal. A total of £3260.30 was raised at the match which will be going to the Angel Gabriel charity, with more people looking to donate at a later date.
“Everyone played their part and a massive thank you to the generous sponsors and to Margate FC for hosting the game.”
The match was played by Gabe’s friends split into a blue team and a white team with white winning 3-2. A minute’s silence was held before the winner’s trophy was presented.
A boxing gala will also raise funds for the charity. The Mind Over Matter event has been organised by Connor Gorham, a boxing and fitness trainer from Ramsgate who runs CG Fitness gym. The 13 fighter event will be at Lordswood Leisure Centre in Chatham on June 25.
Some standing only tickets are still available, priced £30, by messaging CG Boxing Club here
Sponsors are Leadbeatters Labour, St Lawrence Tavern, The Curry House (Ramsgate) and E Z Attire. A host of isle businesses have also donated prizes for a raffle to be held on the night.
Gabriel’s funeral service will take place on June 7, Margate crematorium, at 12.15pm. People are welcome to attend outside, where there will be speakers and a live stream, but inside the chapel is invite only because of the huge amount of people who want to pay their respects.
A wake will be held at The Lanthorne in Broadstairs, which will also stream the service.
Louise says Gabriel had previously talked about a funeral and his wish was that people wear rainbow colours or pink.
There is a Gofundme via the boxing event here and a Gofundme raising funeral costs here