CUP TRIBUTE ... parents Alfie Leggett and Susan Clarkson with Jack's grandad David Young and Jarrow Post Office winning team member Malcolm Gates, and the tragic youngster's brothers Thomas and James.
POSTMAN pals delivered an emotional tribute yesterday to a brave South Tyneside schoolboy who tragically died at the age of just nine – by teaming up for a charity football game in his honour.
A South Shields sorting office side took on their counterparts from Jarrow at Brinkburn Recreational Ground, in Temple Park Road, South Shields to compete for the first-ever Jack Leggett Memorial Cup.
Holy Trinity School pupil Jack, whose father Alfie is a South Shields postman, died of a brain tumour last December – just two months after being diagnosed.
Mr Leggett and his partner Susan Clarkson, of Primrose Avenue, West Harton, South Shields, agreed for his organs to be donated.
Within days of his death they found that their loss had helped to save the lives of three other children.
At his funeral, the family also raised cash for Clic Sargent, a children’s charity which funds research and supports the relatives of those suffering from cancers and tumours.
After helping with the fundraising effort, Mr Leggett’s Post Office colleagues wanted to come up with another way of paying tribute.
South Shields postwoman Mariane Halligan approached the family with the idea of a charity football match.
Not only did they agree, but Mr Leggett and twin sons James and Thomas laced up their boots to take part.
Jarrow’s sorting office ran out 10-6 winners in the game, with Jack’s family presenting them with the trophy, generously donated by Total Sport in Sunderland.
Mrs Halligan, 60, said: “We wanted to do something to help remember Jack. We’ve already raised money for Clic Sergeant, but wanted to do something else to help remember Jack.
“They are such a lovely family, and it was so brave of them to donate his organs.
“Alfie played in the game and his twin sons came on to play as well.
“We had a really good turnout. Everyone had a good time, though it was also very emotional.”