Memorial match for Gateshead teenager who died in stabbing

A football match is being held in memory of a 14-year-old boy from Gateshead.

Tomasz Oleszak died in hospital on 4 October following an alleged stabbing in the Aycliffe Crescent area of the Springwell Estate the previous night.

An exhibition match to remember him will take place at Gateshead International Stadium on Sunday 20 November.

The match is being organised by Gateshead Cleveland Hall FC, Tomasz' former club, with members of the under 15 squad taking to the pitch to play in his honour.

Tomasz' parents are expected the attend the event, which is also being backed by Kim McGuinness, Northumbria Police Crime and Commissioner.

Deputy Mayor of Gateshead Council, Councillor Robert Waugh will also be attending.

Tickets for the match are £2 and are available to buy online. The proceeds will support Tomasz' family.

Following Tomasz's death, a vigil was held at the Springwell Community Centre close to where he lived.

A fundraiser by his former football coaches has raised more than £25,000 for his family, describing him as a "passionate footballer" and a "much loved member of his local community."

A 14-year-old boy, who cannot be named because of his age, appeared at Newcastle Crown Court in October charged with murder, as well as a charge of attempted wounding with intent and a charge of carrying a bladed article in a public place.

His next appearance in court is scheduled for the New Year.

The match is being held at the end of a week-long effort, supported by Northumbria Police, to raise awareness of the consequences of knife crime and to remove knives from the streets.

Operation Sceptre has seen surrender bins placed at the force's police stations across the region.

The match comes in the same week when another 14-year-old, Gordon Gault, died of stab wounds he sustained in an alleged assault six days earlier.

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