Swindon Footballer Georgie Gibson Organising Match In Dad’s Memory As Date Already Set

A Swindon footballer whose dad inspired her love of sport has organised a charity match in his memory.

Georgie Gibson plays for Swindon Supermarine Ladies FC and has set up a kickabout at the Webbswood Stadium grounds on Supermarine Road from 2pm on Saturday, April 5.

Georgie will also run the London Marathon in Trevor’s memory on April 27, which will mark the 10th anniversary of his death.

The Liverpool FC supporter introduced Georgie and her older sister to the beautiful game in 2004, when he took the siblings to a training session for Swindon Town Girls FC.

During his years of coaching Swindon Town Ladies, from 2006 to 2012, the team won one league title and two cups, went unbeaten for two-and-a-half seasons, came runners up for three league titles and one cup – and won the Swindon Advertiser’s young team of the year.

Georgie said: “My dad lived and breathed football. He is the reason I love the sport.

“He taught me and all the players so much about not just the game but words that have stuck alongside us all since – teaching us resilience, passion, respect and so much more.”

In 2008, Trevor was diagnosed with the rare disease Wegener’s granulomatosis and had to undergo chemotherapy.

As his health and mobility deteriorated and he was left in a wheelchair, he still made sure he attended every game Georgie played in, even when he was no longer able to coach.

On April 27, 2015, his family had to say their final goodbyes as he was put into a medically induced coma at John Radcliffe Hospital.

Georgie added: “Even after his death, my dad chose to be a hero, even more than he already was to me.

“He agreed to participate in medical research for this rare disease to make a difference, and help someone else suffering. There is still no cure, but with my dad’s help, we are closer.

“He has and will always be my biggest inspiration in life.”

Georgie thanked Steve Moore, who took her proposal about the charity match to the Swindon Supermarine Board on her behalf – and they immediately agreed.

Donations can be taken on the day through cash or QR Codes.

The match will see the current Swindon Supermarine Ladies FC players face former teammates, many of whom were coached by Trevor.

Georgie added: “It is a testament to his legacy that everyone has agreed to come back to play in his honour.”