Western Section Showmen and the Knowle West community come together to play a tribute football match for Max Dixon and Mason Rist.
To lose a child is every parent’s worst nightmare. To understand the grief that bereaved parents go through is almost impossible, yet when we hear of yet another young person having their life tragically taken from them, as a nation our hearts break.
Recently, the city of Bristol has suffered some horrific incidents that have rocked the community. But out of grief and sadness can sometimes come a sense of togetherness and purpose in trying to support those who are suffering.
Showmen, as everyone knows, are a very family-oriented community quick to help those in need. And when Bristol Showman Stevie Rawlings read of the tragic loss of two local boys and best friends Max Dixon (16) and Mason Rist (15) to knife crime, he determined to do something to show the boys’ families the community cares.
So, Stevie set about organising a memorial football match in honour of the two boys and to raise money for the families. The match, between the Bristol Showmen’s Guild Football Team and a team brought together from the community Knowle West took place at Mangotsfield United Football Club on 12 February.
The two teams were led out by Max’s mother Leanne and Mason’s mother Nicola. Prior to kick-off, the teams, referees and boys’ mothers stood together in the centre circle holding a banner that read ‘Only cowards carry knives’.
Businesses from across Bristol supported the event, as did the Showmen’s Guild, auction prizes included signed Bristol City football shirts, the referees gave up their time and many people assisted on the night. The match raised an incredible total of £7417 for the boys’ families.
Photos courtesy of Nikki Cook, Whats on Bristol.
