Local Football Match Honors Teen Killed in Guildford Stabbing
Community Unites for a Tribute Match
In a heartfelt display of community spirit, friends and teammates gathered last Tuesday for a testimonial football match honoring 15-year-old Luis Gabriel Guembes Quimper, who tragically lost his life to a stabbing in January. The match featured Luis's two former teams, Churt Vipers and Mytchett Athletic Kestrels, facing off at Farnborough F.C.'s Cherrywood Road ground. This event aimed not only to celebrate Luis's vibrant spirit but also to raise funds for the newly established Luis Gabriel Memorial Fund. With an impressive turnout of nearly 700 supporters, the match has already raised around £4,400. Organisers highlighted the importance of such gatherings, saying it demonstrated the community's dedication to remembering Luis and addressing the ongoing issue of knife crime, a matter that affects many families in the area.
Match Highlights and Community Support
The friendly match ended with a 5-0 victory for Churt Vipers, though both teams exhibited a great level of skill and camaraderie throughout the game. Mark DeGiovanni, one of the event's organisers, expressed pride in the participation of Mytchett players, many of whom had not played competitively since September. This tribute was more than just a football game; it was a heartfelt reunion that showcased the unity and resilience of the local community in the face of tragedy. Supporters ranged from family members of Luis to local residents, all coming together to demonstrate their commitment to fighting knife crime and providing a support system for affected families.
Forwarding Luis's Legacy Through the Fund
The Luis Gabriel Memorial Fund, founded in February, carries the mission of commemorating Luis’s life while raising awareness about the devastating impacts of knife crime. Funds raised through events like the memorial match will not only support local charities focused on youth education and knife crime prevention but also lead to the installation of memorial benches at Luis’s clubs and school. The vigilance of Surrey Police following Luis’s death has led to the ongoing investigation into the case involving two teenage suspects. Organisers hope that the community’s support will inspire a broader conversation about safety and youth engagement, ensuring that Luis's legacy will contribute to positive change for future generations.
Source: Friends of teen killed in Guildford stabbing play football match in his memory
