Tadley family prepare for Greek court case

Rhian and Andy Sebbage, of Weyhill Close, aim to raise £60,000 to cover the costs of a Greek lawyer and travel costs of an impending Greek court case, the date for which has not been set yet, they confirmed this morning (Monday April 23).
“The solicitors in Zante who we are in contact with, but not signed up to as yet, have predicted the trial could take place between September and November, but we have not heard anything official,” said Rhian Sebbage.
Their son Robert, aged 18, died after being 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 and are likely to also have to attend the trial, as witnesses.
Following the stabbing last year, Greek taxi driver Stelios Morfis, aged 21, was charged with the murder of Mr Sebbage. Another man, Dimosthenes Mylonas, 25, was charged as an accomplice.
The Tadley community have been supporting the families’ fundraising efforts, with community events such as a recent Zumba dance and also a coffee morning to boost funds - which currently stand at £3,000.
The family are pinning their hopes on a May bank holiday fundraiser - the official launch of their fundraising campaign, called Out of the Blue - to raise the remaining cash needed for the court case and travel costs.
“The money is coming in very slowly - about £3,000 so far - but we are hoping the fun day on May 6 will raise the profile of the fundraising campaign and the money will start to roll in,” said Mrs Sebbage.
The fun-packed, Sunday May 6 event will include a Lads vs Dads football match at the town’s Barlows Park sports complex, in Silchester Road.
Tadley Calleva Football club members will take on coaches and fathers, preceded by a mini soccer tournament played between teams from Tadley Calleva Youth FC.
A village fete will run alongside the football, with refreshments, including a barbecue and hog roast.
All entry fees will go to the cause, with Robert’s friends due to play, followed by the winning team driving round Tadley in an open top bus, with the winning trophy.
For more details about the Sebbage family’s fundraising campaign - including Reading Marathon runners and other fundraisers - visit www.outoftheblue-rjs.co.uk