Football match honours tragic car crash victim

When David Thompson was involved in a serious car crash in Wakefield last year, Yorkshire Air Ambulance (YAA) were straight on the scene to help him.
By The Newsroom
Published 10th May 2016, 14:22 BST
Updated 10th May 2016, 15:35 BST
David Thompson and Rach Cooper. Picture courtesy of Jay OgilvieDavid Thompson and Rach Cooper. Picture courtesy of Jay Ogilvie
David Thompson and Rach Cooper. Picture courtesy of Jay Ogilvie

Helicopter crews airlifted the 35-year-old to Leeds General Infirmary , where hospital teams worked around the clock to give him medical care.

Mr Thompson, of Smithy Lane, Tingley, died from his injuries on May 13 - a month after the crash on the A650 Wrenthorpe bypass in April last year.

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His friends, family and colleagues rallied together in the weeks after his death to raise thousands of pounds for the YAA, which they say gave him “a fighting chance”.

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The friends and family of David Thompson who died in a crash on Wrenthorpe Bypass drove to Nurburgring in his memory.The friends and family of David Thompson who died in a crash on Wrenthorpe Bypass drove to Nurburgring in his memory.
The friends and family of David Thompson who died in a crash on Wrenthorpe Bypass drove to Nurburgring in his memory.

And they will come together to support the charity again this year, with a football match in Mr Thompson’s memory.

Dave Taylor, who grew up with Mr Thompson and went on to work with him at Reco Hoist in Sheffield, said: “The YAA were there at the scene straight away for Dave.

“Without them, he wouldn’t have even had a fighting chance.

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“We wanted to do something to remember Dave and the good times and to raise as much money as we can for the charity. We hope this will be a fun day to bring the community together.”

David Thompson's friend visited the Nürburgring in Germany in his memory.David Thompson's friend visited the Nürburgring in Germany in his memory.
David Thompson's friend visited the Nürburgring in Germany in his memory.

Mr Thompson’s friends, family and colleagues will play in the match on Sunday, May 22,

There will also be stalls and family entertainment including a bouncy castle, face painting, tombola and bucking bronco ride.

The event begins at noon at West Yorkshire Sports and Social Club in Sandal.

And there will be a two minute silence to remember David.

The friends and family of David Thompson who died in a crash on Wrenthorpe Bypass drove to Nurburgring in his memory.The friends and family of David Thompson who died in a crash on Wrenthorpe Bypass drove to Nurburgring in his memory.
The friends and family of David Thompson who died in a crash on Wrenthorpe Bypass drove to Nurburgring in his memory.
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Last month, Mr Thompson’s loved ones made a 550 mile journey from Ferrybridge services to the Nurburgring in Germany.

They drove in memory of car fanatic Mr Thompson, who visited the motor sports complex every year.

Close friend Lee Heap said: “He spent quite a bit of time there so we thought it would be a fitting way to remember him.”

They all displayed car stickers with Mr Thompson’s registration number and paid tribute to him with a framed photograph of his car which they left at the ring.

Related topics:Leeds General InfirmaryWakefieldYorkshire Air Ambulance