An Ipswich teenager who developed a taste for helping others after losing a family friend is back at it, this time determined to help other young people like himself.
We imagine that most teenagers might have spent their Bank Holiday out with their friends and getting up to mischief.
However, an 18-year-old from Ipswich has instead been busy organising a football match for charity, five years on from his first fundraising experience which raised £100,000.
Back in 2021, Logan Mashongamhende made headlines after he completed a cycle ride from London to Brighton in memory of his family friend, Billy Hookway. Billy died from liver cancer aged 36, leaving behind his wife and four daughters.
Due to a longstanding liver condition, he had been unable to obtain life insurance.
The fundraising campaign that Logan's ride formed part of went on to raise an incredible £100,000 for Billy's wife and children, with Logan's cycling achievement attracting widespread support from the community.
Five years later, having recently turned 18, Logan decided he wanted to organise another fundraising event – this time supporting young people in his own community.
The charity football match kicked off at Inspire Suffolk in Lindbergh Road, Ipswich, on Saturday, after several weeks hard work from Logan. His mother, Clare Lucas, said: “This has really been Logan's idea from the beginning. He wanted to organise a football match for charity and, when we started talking about local organisations supporting young people, Inspire Suffolk felt like a great fit.
"He's had to learn about all the things that happen behind the scenes of putting on an event – from getting players together and approaching sponsors to organising kits and promoting ticket sales. I've helped him where he's needed it, but I've been very conscious that this is his event and something for him to take ownership of.”
The match raised £520 for Inspire Suffolk.
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