Teams wanted as football tournament returns in memory of PNE fan Graham Irving

An annual football tournament held in memory of a much loved PNE fan is returning – and welcoming new teams to take part.

The GDI44 Memorial Fundraising Tournament is back for its 13th edition this summer and will again raise funds for Cancer Research UK in memory of Graham Irving.

Graham, remembered by his family and friends as “friendly, hardworking, intelligent, young man”, died of cancer of unknown primary origin aged just 26.

Through the annual football tournaments and other fundraising events, his family have so far raised more than £40,000 for Cancer Research through Graham’s dedicated fundraising page. This year’s event takes place at PlayFootball Preston on June 7 and more five-a-side teams are wanted to take part to compete against returning regulars including the PNE Former Players Association.

Graham was an avid North End supporter, having got his first season ticket aged six and later becoming the first school pupil to complete a work placement with the club.

He attended Fulwood and Cadley Primary School, Archbishop Temple High School and Preston College before going on to study Business Information Technology at the University of Salford.

Action from a previous year’s tournament

In a packed but tragically short life, he travelled around Australia, New Zealand and Thailand and had plans for more explorations. On his return to the UK, he lived in Manchester where he worked for The British Council.

Graham was a very healthy, active young man and had shown no signs of illness but in late June 2012 he started having back pains and was sent to A&E.

He remained chatty, witty and positive but tragically died within four weeks of that hospital visit.

Tests showed that Graham had cancer but doctors were unable to locate the primary cancer, where the cancer started – known as cancer of unknown primary origin.

His family said: “Thank you to each and every one of you that helps us raise money and supports Graham’s fundraising target. It is important for us to keep Graham’s precious memory alive by raising money for vital research and speedy diagnostic testing through this dedicated fundraising page for Graham.

“Cancer Unknown Primary (CUP) needs to become a thing of the past. All cancers need to be detected quickly but this can only be achieved by supporting vital Cancer Research.”Anyone who is wanting more information or is interested in entering a team is asked to contact Susan on 07891807174. To donate, visit the fundraising page.

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