Charity football match for ‘Scotch Tommy’

Daughters Loretta Tatham and Rebecca Robertson, along with wife Linda, have organised a charity match between the Vintage Clarets and team-mates of Thomas, who played amateur football for more than 30 years.

Thomas, originally from Glasgow and known as “Scotch Tommy” lost his battle with cancer aged just 49 in July and the match in his memory will take place a year on, at Padiham Football Club on July 25th at 2pm.

“We have called it ‘Turn out for Tommy’ and 33 of his friends will face a Vintage Clarets side, playing 30 minutes each,” said Loretta (33).

“My dad played amateur football for around 30 years for Barrowford United, Brierfield Celtic and Hour Glass Celtic among others.

“He loved football of all kinds but, although he was a life-long Rangers fan, he would watch Burnley as Becca works in the Community Department at Turf Moor as a Social Inclusion Officer.

“He enjoyed watching Burnley as well so playing against the Vintage Clarets is a fitting tribute.”

Thomas lived in Nelson with his family and worked as a labourer at a carpet sampling company in the town.

“He was diagnosed with a brain tumour about seven years ago but had treatment and went into remission,” said Loretta.

“However, we noticed changes towards the end of 2012 and, by 2013, he was diagnosed with an aggressive tumour. He had chemotherapy and radiotherapy but, by April 2013, he was showing signs of a stroke and they carried out an operation.

“They said they had removed 80% of the tumour but it came back quickly and, by May, we were told they couldn’t do anything and he died in July.

“The Macmillan nurses were superb with my dad and with our family which is why we want to give something back so they can continue to help and support families like ours.”

The family have already raised £1,300 with various bucket collections.

“My dad was the life and soul of the party, he loved going out, having a laugh and playing snooker and it would have been his 50th birthday in January so we had a pub crawl around Colne which he would have loved.

“That raised £500 and the Shorthomers Working Mens Club also had a collection box and raised around £250, among others.

“We have set a mini-target of £3,000 with the football match but anything which we can give to Macmillan is gratefully received.”

Tickets are £2.50 in advance and £3 on the day for the match which will see the likes of ex-Clarets Roger Eli, Graham Lancashire and Paul Weller put their boots back on.

Tickets are available from Loretta and Rebecca via their Facebook page www.facebook.com/turnoutfortommyrobertson or Twitter account @turnoutfortommy.

“We are also looking for raffle prizes. Silentnight have donated a bed which is fantastic while ‘It’s My Party’ in Burnley have donated a children’s party for 12. We are on the lookout for more prizes so please get in touch with us through social media if you can help,” added Loretta.

The family would also like to thank match sponsors: Browns Ladders and Ceilings Ltd; Boss Training Ltd; North County Pest Control Services and Burnley Properties