The Football Community comes together in Memory and Tribute to Martin Beard
Martin Beard was only 43 when he suddenly passed away on 17 January 2020 after falling seriously ill while at Merstham Park School, where he was Headteacher.
He was the Chief Scout here at Dorking Wanderers, having been involved with the club for over 10 years. Martin played for us, coached and managed the first team and built our very successful scouting department. He also captained the Vets team.
Aged just 43, Martin's loss was not just felt within our football family here at the club. He left behind a wife and four children. Our thoughts and prayers will always be with them.
It is testament to how well Martin was respected, not only in the wider football community, that over 300 people attended his memorial service on 30 January 2020. His impact touched so many people. Martin's enthusiasm and kindness have been mentioned by so many who knew him.
He was a true gentleman who served his community, both in his teaching career and in his voluntary work at church. We were going to honour Martin in September 2020, however, the global pandemic robbed his family of celebrating his life and us in paying tribute to such a great man.
We are, therefore, very honoured and delighted to be able to announce that an afternoon of celebration and tribute in memory of Martin will take place on Sunday 26 September 2021 at Meadowbank, the proceeds of which will go to Martin's family. A match between Martin's football friends and family will be followed by a Pro-Celebrity Football Match hosted and organised by Harvey (ex friend of Martin, former footballer, So Solid Crew member) which will kick off at 3pm. We really look forward to seeing you there!
Club Chairman and Manager Marc White commented, "Our club and the community were rocked to its core and saddened beyond belief by the devastating news on 17 January last year. We have waited so long to get this match organised so that we can give him the tribute he so thoroughly deserves. This will be an occasion that will long be remembered"
Harvey added: “Martin was a good friend of mine. I was his teammate at Dorking when I played football, and we became friends. He was a lovely, honourable and genuine man. It’s an honour for me to put on this game for Martin and his family”
You can purchase tickets for this wonderful event by clicking on this link:
dorkingwanderersfc.ktckts.com/event/charlton/team-harvey-vs-charlton
The full programme for the afternoon is below
1:00PM Stadium open
1:15PM Pre-Legends Match Kick Off
2:15PM Legends Warm Up
2:55PM Release of Balloons from centre circle
3:00PM Legends match Kick Off
4:45PM (Approx.) Presentation of the Martin Beard Cup by Martin's Family to the winning Legends Team