Brimscombe & Thrupp FC and Stonehouse Town will observe a one-minute silence to pay tribute to a family who tragically lost their lives in a fire near the football club.
Fionnghuala Shearman, known as Nu, died alongside her children Eve, seven, and four-year-old Ohner in the Boxing Day fire in Brimscombe.
Their father, Tom Shearman, an officer with Gloucestershire Constabulary, was taken to hospital for treatment but has since been discharged. Sadly, he also lost the family dog, Hutch, in the fire.
A GoFundMe page set up to support Tom has so far raised more than £330,000. Brimscombe & Thrupp and Stonehouse Town will come together to help raise further funds.
The players will also wear black armbands during the game which is due to take place on Friday, 7.45pm kick-off in the Hellenic League Division One West fixture.
Brimscombe chairman Neil Long said: “Following the truly tragic and devastating events within our community over the past week, BTFC and Stonehouse Town FC will come together on Friday evening to pay tribute to those we have lost.
“Donations raised during the evening will go towards supporting Tom as he begins the incredibly difficult journey of rebuilding his life. No words can ease the pain or mend the broken hearts left behind, but we hope this small gesture shows that he is not alone.
“We would like to sincerely thank everyone at Stonehouse Town FC for their kindness, compassion, and unwavering support during this heartbreaking time for everyone involved.”
A spokesperson for Stonehouse Town said: “We recognise that football takes a back seat at times like this. Following the tragic fire in the Brimscombe community, which sadly claimed the lives of a mother and her two children, our thoughts are with their family, friends, and the wider community.
“We also think of the father, who survived after bravely trying to save them. Stonehouse Town FC and Brimscombe & Thrupp FC will be making donations to the GoFundMe page and are working closely together during this difficult time. Our deepest condolences go out to everyone affected.”
Donations can be made at:
https://www.gofundme.com/f/helping-rebuild-after-an-unimaginable-loss
