Burton Park Wanderers to dedicate today's game to its biggest fan

Jay Brewer with his parents Stephen and Sharon

Jay from Burton Latimer underwent several years of treatment in both the UK and America to give him the best chance of beating a brain tumour, but he lost his brave fight on Thursday, January 7.

Family and friends gathered at Burton Park Wanderers Football Club two weeks ago to pay their respects at the club he loved so much.

Jay then made his final journey in a horse-drawn carriage behind a fire engine from the club, past Meadowside Primary School and through the town before arriving at the church for the service.

The club was due to dedicate its next home match, which was two days later, to Jay but it had to be postponed when the game was called off due to a water-logged pitch.

It had to be rearranged so today’s game will now be dedicated to Jay, with his brother Ryan leading the Burton Park Wanderers team out with the match ball for the game.

The players will wear t-shirts with Jay’s picture on to warm up in and every age group from the club will be represented at the game.

There will be a minute’s silence followed by a round of applause in celebration of Jay’s life.

Balloons will be released ‘so Jay can play with them in Heaven’ and there will be a collection for Burton Latimer Ex-Servicemen’s Association and the Luke Lester Fund.

Adults are being asked for a contribution of £3 but admission for children under-16 is free.

Speaking to the Northants Telegraph at the time of Jay’s death, Mr Glendenning said: “The club was everything to Jay.

“As I said in the eulogy, there is such a hole that this little boy has left behind, but I am absolutely convinced it will never be filled because it is too deep.

“Jay is up in Heaven now with the angels.

“There’s a poem in the memorial programme for Jay which talks about how the angels wanted to play football and they wanted one more player for the squad.

“That sums up how everyone is feeling.

“Jay was so special that someone else wanted him.

“We had the best supporter that any club could ask for and he was only 12 years of age, that means so much to me.”

Dats Print Services of Irthlingborough has produced the memorial programme, which is being sold for £2.

For more information about the match, which kicks off at 3pm, go to www.bpwfc.co.uk.