Football team raises money in memory of beloved friend for QEHB Charity

(Pictured: Vinay celebrating his 21st birthday)

On Saturday, 16 January, VKL United football team played a charity game against Redolence Park in support of QEHB Charity. The game was given in memory of Vinay Kishor Ladwa, a friend of VKL United, who sadly passed away in 2013.

Vinay was born on January 18, 1989 with a kidney disorder that caused him to spend the majority of his life going to hospitals three times each week for dialysis. Having received treatment at Birmingham Children’s Hospital, Vinay was transferred to the QE at the age of 18.

Vinay’s disorder worsened over time, leading doctors to decide that he required an urgent kidney transplant. On June 19, 2013, he received the positive news that he could undergo surgery, and received a transplant soon after.

However, Vinay’s condition worsened severely following the transplant due to contracting a chest infection during his recovery. This led to Vinay suffering a fatal stroke, leaving him with an aneurysm on the brain. Whilst efforts were made to remove the aneurysm, it ruptured on September 9, leaving Vinay on a life support system.

Vinay tragically passed away on September 10, surrounded by his family and friends.

Since 2013, VKL United has held an annual football match at Redditch United football stadium, around Vinay’s birthday, in memory of their beloved friend.

2016’s game was a spectacular treat, with many goals scored, resulting in a tie of 3-3.

(Pictured: VKL United’s memorial logo to Vinay)

Money was raised for QEHB Charity through ticket sales, as well as spectators making donations to the cause throughout the match itself. The match raised a spectacular £600 for QEHB Charity.

VKL United’s assistant manager, Stephen Spencer, said: “Saturday night was a great success. Many of Vinay’s family and friends travelled up and down the country to come and watch the game in memory of him.”

Sian Averill, Fundraising Officer at QEHB Charity, said: “We are incredibly grateful to VLK United for the effort they have put in to the annual football games in memory of Vinay. On behalf of QEHB Charity, I want to thank VLK United for the wonderful fundraising events in memory of a wonderful man.”