Charity soccer match for popular milkman (From Hampshire Chronicle)

Charity soccer match for popular milkman

12:48pm Monday 8th September 2008 in News

VILLAGERS gathered to remember their milkman with a charity football match.

Allan Knight was fatally knocked down on his round in Alresford last summer by a drug driver.

Last Sunday (September 7) former colleagues from Dairy Crest took on a team of local veterans at the recreation ground in Ropley, near Alresford.

A former customer, TV newsreader Alastair Stewart, attended the match and gave a speech in memory of the dedicated milkman for whom nothing was too much trouble.

Match organiser Rob Bryant-Jeffries said around 100 people had watched the game, which the veterans won 9-4.

They helped to raise more than £500 which will be donated to Naomi House children's hospice at Sutton Scotney.

An auction including a signed Saints shirt and football raised £214. Various local businesses donated items, including a scooter from Alresford Cycles.

Mr Bryant-Jeffries, a former milkman who worked with Mr Knight, said: "I was very pleased with how it went. Allan's wife Lin was there and Alistair Stewart did a lovely dedication. It was brilliant and I was chuffed that he made the time to come along.

"Everyone will remember Allan, he was such a lovely bloke. His death was such a tragedy."

Mr Knight, 53, of Lime Close, Colden Common, had worked as a milkman around the Alresford area for 30 years.

He was knocked down in Winchester Road, Alresford in July 2007 by a fellow Dairy Crest employee Gregory Locke, 33, who had taken amphetamine the day before. He was jailed for three years.