Hundreds of people came together to raise thousands of pounds for a worthy cause in memory of their beloved friend and family member who died suddenly aged just 38.
Tim “Toddy” Todd, a father-of-two from Tetney, tragically died in September of a heart attack whilst on a family holiday in Tenerife with his longtime partner Sophie, son Albie, 3, and daughter Elsie, six months.
On Saturday, December 28, 35 men participated in a charity football match at Tetney Playing Fields, where around 250 spectators came to watch, before a raffle and auction was held at The Plough Inn.
A whopping 7,315 raffle tickets were sold, with 77 local businesses donating more than 90 prizes and nine jumping on board to sponsor the entire event. Manchester United FC also sent a signed shirt for the event, a nod to Tim’s love of the team.
Amazingly, the day raised an incredible £12,000 for the British Heart Foundation.
The two teams at the charity football match in memory of Tim Todd
(Image: Josh Ward)
Organiser Josh Ward told Grimsby Live: “The crematorium was totally full at Tim’s funeral, and there were at least another 100 people outside. I don’t know anyone who didn’t get on with Tim, he was so friendly, caring and smiley, and so laid-back at the same time.
“The idea for the event originally came around after the funeral, and I wanted to give it my all. I wrote to many local businesses and 77 donated prizes, with nine sponsoring the whole event. 7,315 raffle tickets were sold and we raised £12,000. I was just overwhelmed and filled with pride – there were a lot of emotions. It was all done from the heart.”
The football match programme’s heartfelt tribute to Tim reads: “A true bundle of energy, Tim embraced life with passion. He adored his family and friends and was the most laid-back, kind-hearted, generous, and loving man you could ever hope to meet. Tim achieved so much in his life, always striving for the stars. Hard-working and dedicated, he gave 100% to everything he did.
Tim’s son Albie also got involved in the football match held in his dad’s memory
(Image: Josh Ward)
“He was rarely still, always on the go – whether cheering on Manchester United, playing golf, enjoying a pint at The Plough, or spending quality time with his family.
“Tim was an incredible dad to Albie, who was truly a daddy’s boy. Their weekends were spent at football matches, enjoying outdoor adventures and, of course, sharing sweets. He was equally besotted with his baby princess, Elsie, who was the apple of his eye.
“The world is not the same without him, but his memory will live on through his family, friends and, most importantly, his children. Today, we hope you can join us in celebrating Tim’s remarkable life, cherishing your own memories of him, and supporting a fantastic charity to help other families and people in need.”
Tim’s partner Sophie previously told Grimsby Live: “He was the most caring person I knew. In the last seven years I knew him he didn’t say anything bad about anyone, and he would do anything for anyone. We started our family nearly four years ago now, and he was such a family man. That’s all he cared about, and he just wanted to support us.
Tim was just 38 when he died on a family holiday in Tenerife – pictured with partner Sophie, son Albie and daughter Elsie
(Image: Submitted)
“He was so hands-on as a dad, and my little boy was such a daddy’s boy. They were out in the garden all the time doing jobs and playing football. They were never away from each other’s side, it was like little and large. He was besotted with Elsie, and it’s so sad that he didn’t have chance to spend more time with her.”
Following the success of the day, Josh said he and other organisers plan to make it an annual event. He said: “I was so proud, and Tim would have been too. It was very humbling to see how greatly supported it was from local businesses and to see the local community coming together.”
Melanie Meik, Fundraising Manager for Lincolnshire at the British Heart Foundation, told Grimsby Live: “When I first heard about the reason for this event, I felt so deeply for Tim’s family and was again shaken by the absolute brutality, shock and devastation that sudden cardiac arrest brings.
The event raised an incredible £12,750 for the British Heart Foundation
(Image: Josh Ward)
“I am sure that everyone involved has felt the impact, and still does. We must recognise and say thank you to everyone that has organised, donated and supported this event, and acknowledge the magnitude of organising something so epic in Tim’s memory.
“I am reminded of the reason that we fundraise, to fund more life changing and life saving research to uncover why these tragedies happen, offering hope that one day we will find a cure.”
Event organiser Josh wishes to thank sponsors CAG Developments Ltd (Tim’s employer), Blackrow Group, Elecref Limited, Cooling Solutions, Kirwin Brothers Ltd, J.H. Todd, RF Living and RSG Group, staff from Campbell’s Cakery for providing refreshments on the day and Mouse and the Moon for performing live music.