The daughter of a talented Portadown footballer and avid fan has raised over £2,000 for MS Society through a football tournament lovingly held in his memory.
Ellie-Jayne Park – daughter of Harvey Park – combined forces with her partner, Adam Palmer to host the inaugural Harvey Park Memorial Tournament in June.
The event – held at Annagh United’s grounds – was run as a charity six-a-side match in memory of her football-mad father, who sadly passed away in August 2024.
Harvey, she says, “adored football”. And, he wasn’t a bad on the pitch either!
In his youth, Harvey played for Wigan Athletic and, Ellie-Jayne adds: “He refused offers from Bolton Wanderers and Manchester City as he was a Manchester United supporter and eventually, he signed for Blackburn Rovers.”
However, in 2019 Harvey was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis (MS), and Ellie-Jayne says, “it was something that he struggled with every day”.
Together, Ellie-Jayne and Adam organised and ran the charity event in June to raise vital funds for MS Society and to help spread awareness for multiple sclerosis and the support available to those affected.
Of the event, she added: “This event is our way of keeping his memory alive while raising as much as possible for the MS Society, a charity dedicated to supporting those affected by this illness and funding vital research.
“Every donation, big or small, will make a difference in helping those living with MS and bringing us closer to a cure.”
The tournament – which consisted of eight teams – raised a total of £2,210 for MS Society and was a “truly special” day enjoyed by all.
Paying thanks to Ellie-Jayne and Adam, Elaine Brownlee, Community Fundraiser NI from the MS Society added: “We’re incredibly grateful to the Park family and their many supporters for this generous donation.
“Events like the The Harvey Park Memorial Tournament not only raise vital funds but also help spread awareness about multiple sclerosis and the support available to those affected.”
