Charity football game in memory of Liam O'Connor

On the 10th of June 2023, our dear friend, brother and son Liam O'Connor tragically lost his life following a traffic accident in Newcastle, after just finishing his 2nd year exams. Liam was an example to us all and touched many lives in his 20 years with his humour, kindness and sporting talent. Liam represented St Ambrose in rugby throughout his time there, in addition to Heaton Moor, Lancashire and Sale Sharks. He achieved greatness in every team he represented, winning many personal accolades such as winning the player of the season award on multiple occasions at Heaton Moor, and winning the Victor Ludorum award at St Ambrose, which recognised him as the best athlete. Liam also still holds the Year 9 and 10 hurdles records at St Ambrose, which is an indication of the lasting impact he had in his 7 years at the school.

As his friends, we were devastated to discover the news of Liam's passing and wanted to do anything we could to honour and remember his life. We always shared a love for football, playing throughout school at lunchtimes and in PE lessons, and planned to play a game with fellow ex students this summer, in which Liam would have been involved. In light of this, we have worked with our former school, St Ambrose, to put together a charity football game to not only honour his life but also raise money for a charity which will help families and friends in the future who devastatingly find themselves in a similar position. All funds raised will go directly to Brake, who support families who are bereaved as a result of road accidents, whilst also campaigning for safer streets and rights for road victims.

The charity football game will be on the 7th of July 2023, kicking off at 1:45 at St Ambrose College. We hope that many of his friends and family can be there to share this moment, and hope we can all share a drink in his name at The Bulls Head pub after the game.

Donations of any size are greatly appreciated if you are in a position to do so.