The family and friends of a Clipstone teenager who died in July are coming together to ensure she will never be forgotten — and that her kindness for others lives on.

The Evie Wilson Foundation is being set up to remember Evie Wilson, 13, and help local families.

A charity football match, featuring former Mansfield Town FC stars, has been organised for Sunday, 3rd October, to fundraise for the foundation.

Evie was the daughter of former Stags player Lee Wilson, who is now a popular member of Clipstone Cricket Club.
Mansfield Town FC Legends — managed by Wembley-winning captain George Foster and Billy Dearden — will play against Clipstone FC Legends at Clipstone Lido Ground, kick-off 4pm.

Among the former Stags players from the 1994/95 era who have pledged to take part are ex-England Under-21 manager Adie Boothroyd, Wayne Fairclough, Kevin Noteman and Paul Holland.

And current England star Harry Maguire has donated a pair of signed football boots as a raffle prize.

Evie’s godfather, Micky Williams, who played with Lee at the Stags, explained in an interview on Mansfield 103.2: “It was devastating news when Lee rang me (to say Evie had died). We are trying to raise a bit of money so Evie’s name can live on.

“Evie was very popular, very kind. We found out after she died that she used to ask for an extra couple of pounds off her mum and dad.

“No one knew why and thought she was a typical teenager, but what she was doing was helping other children at Clipstone Youth Club to buy themselves a packet of crisps or sweets because they didn’t have any money.

“We’re hoping the money raised for the foundation means her name can live on and can be used to help other children in less fortunate circumstances.

“We’re going to help the youth club because that’s where Evie went a lot. We will try to get a youth team going at Clipstone Cricket Club because the cricket ground was Evie’s second home and anyone who knows Lee will know his love for cricket.

“And we want to help families in the area who are struggling with money — who need little things like PE shorts or trainers, or a laptop, things like that.”

Raffle prizes will also include Hull City memorabilia, Sheffield Wednesday items thanks to assistant manager and former Stag Simon Ireland, and possibly a signed Wayne Rooney shirt thanks to Derby County goalkeepng coach and former Stags Jason Piercey.

Micky added: “What has happened is devastating. The family is not having a good time trying to cope with it, so hopefully this day will get them and Lee together with a few of his old teammates he has not seen for a long time.

“Hopefully this will take his mind off things for a little while and show that Evie’s name will live on and something good can come from this.”

Admission to the match on Sunday, 3rd October, at The Lido Ground, Clipstone, is £5 adults, £1 under-16s. Kick-off is 4pm.