It was an emotional moment when Natalie Stranger-Speer presented the Under 16 Gillingham Town Youth Football team (pictured above) with their new kit. The shirts are sponsored by Team Torri, a charity that fundraises to help children and families affected by cancer and was founded by Natalie in memory of her daughter, Torri, who died aged 13, after a five-year battle with the disease.

‘Many of the squad were in the same class as Torri at school,’ says Jake Doddington, the team’s coach (pictured below right). ‘Some could remember making get well cards for Torri when they were in primary school. Any sponsorship is always gratefully received but it is something special to be sponsored by a charity that not only wants to raise awareness of the issues surrounding childhood cancer and help others but also gives back to the community that supports them. Another nice thing is that Natalie lives just down the road from our home pitch and so will support the team in that way too.’

For Natalie, sponsorship of the U16 team which plays in the Dorset Youth League, was an easy decision. ‘Not only is this Torri’s age group, it’s a chance to give back to our youngsters, plus lots of parents all over Dorset will see our team and charity every weekend throughout the season – the perfect combo.’