Organisers of the first-ever Parko’s Memorial Day are celebrating a massive success after raising an incredible £7,000 for charity in honour of James Parkinson.
James, a talented local footballer and beloved firefighter, passed away suddenly in September 2025 at the age of just 47.
The fantastic sum raised from the inaugural event will be split equally between the Fire Fighters 100 Lottery and the Great North Air Ambulance Service.
The day brought the local community together for a brilliant day of football, live music and fundraising. It was all in memory of a man who loved his football, his music and, above all, his family and friends.
The winning Cheese and Stairs FC team members including organiser Chris Birkbeck (fourth from right). Pictures: The Corner Photography.
“James was an exceptional friend and colleague, but more than anything, he was just an exceptional person,” said Chris Birkbeck, James’ long-term friend and work colleague.
“The day was really about celebrating James by bringing together a few of his favourite things – football, music and, of course, a few drinks! More than anything, though, it was about getting everyone together, having a laugh, swapping stories and remembering James in the way we all knew him.
“To raise over £7,000 in our first year was unbelievable. He would have absolutely loved seeing everyone together enjoying themselves – although he would have hated the fact that all the fuss was about him!
“We’re definitely going to make it an annual event. It’s a chance to bring everyone together, support some brilliant causes and, most importantly, remember a top bloke and a great friend.”
The day was made possible by everyone who gave up their time to help, alongside FC Hartlepool and The Pavilion Bar at Grayfields.
Chris added: “A massive thank you has to go to all the players who took part and made the football such a good part of the day.
“Cheese and Stairs FC ended up winning the tournament. As a group of James’ mates, we’d joked beforehand that we had to at least try and win the first one for him! We managed to beat some really good sides along the way before beating Dads and Lads 1-0 in the final, and somehow went through the whole tournament without conceding a goal.
A penalty is taken during the tournament. Pictures: The Corner Photography.
“One of the nicest moments of the day was the Player of the Tournament award. We named the trophy ‘The Wizard’ in honour of James, and it was won by Peter Twidale and presented to him by James’ daughter, Violet, which made it a really special moment.
“Finally, a huge thank you to everyone who helped make the whole day happen, particularly the volunteers and the brilliant tombola and raffle teams. So many people played a part in making the first Parko’s Memorial Day something we’ll always remember.”
Winning Cheese and Stairs FC captain Jonny Henson is presented with the framed Parko shirt by James’ wife, Sarah. Pictures: The Corner Photography.
Sarah Parkinson, James’ wife, was touched by the gratitude shown by the community.
She said: “A massive thank you to everyone who came along, played, donated, bought raffle and tombola tickets, volunteered or supported us in any way – you made the day what it was. Thank you all, we think we did James proud.”
After more than 200 footballers played in a brilliant seven-a-side tournament, the crowds were entertained throughout the day by an amazing line-up of performers. These included Aden Murray, Brad Frank, Matty Fenny, Sophie Carmel, Pek & Wanley and Sam Offender.
The event was proudly supported by generous local sponsors, including FA Memorabilia, Evolution Risk, Property Webmasters, Censis, Steve Murray Mortgage Adviser, S Corner, First Team Physiotherapy and the Fire Brigade Union. Senior management from Cleveland Fire Brigade also went along to support the event.
A massive thank you to everyone who came along, played, donated, bought raffle and tombola tickets, volunteered or supported us in any way – you made the day what it was. Thank you all, we think we did James proud.”
-Sarah Parkinson, Wife of James Parkinson
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