Charity football match to raise funds for court case over stabbed Tadley teenager
The Tadley community has been supporting Weyhill Close couple, Rhian and Andy Sebbage’s efforts to raise £60,000 to cover the costs of a Greek lawyer and travel costs of an impending Greek court case, likely to take place between September and November.
Their son Robert, aged 18, died after being allegedly stabbed by a taxi driver in Zakynthos, Greece, last July. He was on holiday with fellow, former Hurst Community College pupils: Jordan Manson, Samuel Champion, Steven Granston and Callum Lane, who were also stabbed in the attack.
Robert Sebbage’s friends are taking part in a charity fundraising
football match on Sunday at the Barlows Park Complex in the town and are set to arrive in an open top bus, before meeting the North West Hampshire MP, Sir George Young.
After the match, Sebbage family friend, Sarah Thomas, is to have her hair shaved off on the pitch at the sports complex, to raise further funds for the cause.
A village fete, barbecue and refreshments will run alongside the football match.
The Met Office weather forecast for London and the South East on Sunday is bright intervals, cloudy, with showers, and overnight frosts, but Robert’s mother, Rhian Sebbage, said: “We are still going ahead as planned even if the weather is not good!!”
The family suffered a recent setback after Mr Sebbage, aged 56, was diagnosed with a heart condition, with major surgery likely in July. His doctors have therefore said it is unlikely he will be fit enough to fly out to Greece for the court case later this year.
Robert Sebbage, a former England mascot (pictured with David Beckham) was a lifelong fan of Reading FC whose team colour - royal blue - is reflected in the name of the Sebbage’s fundraising campaign,
For more details visit www.outoftheblue-rjs.co.uk
Doors open tomorrow at 1pm at Barlows Park, Silchester Road, with the match to kick-off at 3pm. The bus with Robert's friends on board is due to depart Mendam Motors in Silchester Road at 1.30pm to make its way to the sports complex.
Entry is free of charge, the Sebbage family aim to boost funds with donations made on the day and the proceeds of sales of food and goods within the grounds.
Photograph Actionimages
