A memorial football tournament for Hartlepool firefighter and footballer James Parkinson has raised £7,000 for charity. The event, held at Grayfields and supported by FC Hartlepool and The Pavilion Bar, saw over 200 players compete in a 7-a-side format to honour the 47-year-old who died recently.
Chris Birkbeck, a long-term friend and work colleague of James, helped organise the day. "The day was really about celebrating James," Birkbeck told the Hartlepool Mail. The funds will be split between the Fire Fighters 100 Lottery and the Great North Air Ambulance Service, with organisers confirming the event will now become an annual fixture in the local calendar.
Who won the memorial tournament?
Cheese and Stairs FC were crowned champions of the tournament after a closely fought final. They secured a 1-0 victory over the team named Dads and Lads to lift the trophy. Individual honours went to Peter Twidale, who was awarded the Player of the Tournament trophy. That trophy is named The Wizard in honour of James Parkinson's memory.
The success of the event provides a positive community story for Hartlepool United fans, whose club finished 9th in the England National League last season. The final 2025 table showed the Pools accrued 68 points from 46 games, with 18 wins, 14 draws, and 14 defeats. Their recent form was mixed, ending the campaign with a sequence of loss, win, win, loss, draw. You can review the full league picture on our standings page.
How will the charity money be used?
The £7,000 raised is a significant sum for the two chosen causes. The Fire Fighters 100 Lottery supports firefighters and their families, while the Great North Air Ambulance Service provides critical emergency medical care across the region. Sarah Parkinson, James' wife, expressed her gratitude to all involved. "Thank you all, we think we did James proud," she said. The event's establishment as an annual occasion ensures James' legacy will continue to support these vital services.
Where does this fit with Hartlepool United's season?
While the memorial was a community event separate from the professional club, it highlights the strong football culture in the town. Hartlepool United's own campaign last term saw them score 54 goals but concede 59, finishing with a -5 goal difference. They ended the season 40 points behind champions York City in the title race. Supporters can look ahead to the new season by checking the latest player information on our squad list.
The final act of the memorial day saw the trophy presentation to Cheese and Stairs FC, capping a successful fundraiser that brought together local football in memory of a beloved figure.
