THE friends of a young Cowdenbeath man, who was stabbed to death last year, have held a football match in his name at Beath High School in order to raise money for charity and at the same time fondly remember him.

Daniel Turner was only 21 when he was murdered last October in a frenzied and unprovoked knife attack. Now, almost a year on, his friends have hosted a football match in his memory in order to raise money for the charities which supported Daniel’s family in the aftermath of the tragedy.

On Saturday, a group of Daniel’s friends played the game in his name at Beath High School’s astroturf pitch. Daniel was a former pupil there and the school’s community use department were kind enough to donate the cost of use of their pitch to allow the match to be played.

Joe Schiavone (23), of Lochgelly, was one of Daniel’s best friends and wanted to do something to honour his memory.

“I am making it an annual event named the Daniel Turner Memorial Cup,” he told the Times. “We’ll be playing the match annually to raise money for local charities.

“We managed to raise £320 for Victim Support Scotland and £78 for No Knives in Fife, two charities that have helped the Turner family a great deal.

“All the players who played in the game donated £10 each and we also had a raffle to help us raise money. Local business donated gifts and vouchers for it.” Many of those who knew Daniel turned up to support the match, and Joe was pleased with the brilliant turnout.

“Daniel was one of my best friends and I managed to get 18 of his friends to play football in his name,” he said. “Friends and family turned up to watch the game and donated as well.

“It will be a year since Daniel’s murder on the 18th of next month. It was a fantastic turn out and great mark of respect to Daniel that everyone played their part.

“Daniel’s mum, Corrine, did a lot of work collecting from businesses for the raffle, she’s been amazing supporter of this event.”