Soccer fundraiser for stab victim Tommy

Tommy Bilton

FRIENDS and family of an Oldham teenager stabbed to death will host a fundraising football match in his memory at the weekend.

Police found both Tommy Bilton (19) and a 23-year-old man with stab wounds on Ashton Road in the early hours of Saturday. Tommy, of Elm Road, Limeside, was taken to the Royal Oldham Hospital, where he died later that day. A murder investigation continues.

To help raise money for Tommy’s funeral his close friend Brandon Davies has organised a memorial football match in Limeside Park on Saturday.

Brandon (18) said: “We were very close mates. His death was such a shock. It hasn’t really sunk in yet. It means a lot to be able to send him off doing something we did together and help raise money for his funeral. We want people to donate as much as possible to help his family through this horrible time and let them know that they are not alone.”

Tommy’s friends will form one team and take on Limeside FC from 3.30pm. All the money raised from playing and watching will be used to pay for Tommy’s funeral.

Police are appealing for information. Officers initially arrested two 19 year olds, two 20 year olds and a 21-year-old man on suspicion of assault. They have been released on bail without charges.

Information can be passed to police on 101, or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.