A school continues to remember former pupil with annual matches to 'keep her spirit alive'.

Head of PE at Haydon Bridge School, Miss Hicks was pleased with her students' charitable actions in an impromptu football match that raised money for Brain tumour charity.

The school annually plays charitable matches by a memorial bench on the anniversary of student Rhya Story, from Greenhead, who died suddenly from an aggressive, inoperable brain tumour at just 14-years-old.

Rhya was a keen footballer for Haltwhistle United U15s, and her battle against the disease captured the support of the footballing world.

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Players from AC Milan, Newcastle United, and Rangers – including Alan Shearer – backed the #HEART4RHYA hashtag with messages of support and comfort.

"She was football mad and played for her local team," Miss Hicks said.

"Even though it has been a few years since she passed, she is still a part of our school community.

"Since her passing, we have always been keen to do something to remember her by.

"This year it was a little impromptu as it was during lunch break.

"I was refereeing and we just passed around charity buckets and did the 'shake' not expecting much.

"The match ended 4-0 and overall we raised £129.94 for the Brain Tumour Charity, with a staff World Cup sweepstake set to add to the total."

"I am really pleased that we were able to do something in her memory.

"She would have been 21 this year, so the match was bittersweet as she was taken so young."