On Friday 5th April 2019 Moston Brook FC held a fund raising event in memory of Damien McStravick at ‘North Chadderton Social & Bowling Club’ for ‘Cancer Research UK’.

Damien’s association with Moston Brook FC goes back to 1994 when he joined as an adult player. He continued to play until 2004. By the end of his playing career he had made 116 appearances.

He then turned his hand to management, looking after various adult teams. Along with Phil Dobson he went on to manage two of our junior teams where they enjoyed great success and built a good spirit among players and parents. This was evidenced by the number of former players who attended his funeral.

On the 26th November 2017 Damien passed away at 54 years of age. He was diagnosed with cancer in 2013. He underwent various bouts of treatment. Despite his condition he continued as Club Chairman until 2016.

He was a fine singer, always pleading for a karaoke session at all our social events. He would then monopolise the microphone. He was particularly active when we organised our annual tournament, arriving on Friday morning and not leaving until Sunday night. It was at one of these tournaments that his liking for Frank Sinatra came to the fore.

The Club had purchased a PA system for the tournament. After the Saturday’s football Damien kept the security volunteers who stayed overnight entertained with a series of Sinatra songs. Unfortunately he also kept the ajoining residents awake, one of whom subsequently saw fit to rob items (money, phones, keys and a laptop) as the security staff slept. A small price to pay for such a wonderful performance.

His hard work and dedication put him in the top handful of people who have shaped and developed our Club. Gone but not forgotten, he did it his way.

Phil Fryer (a Frank Sinatra tribute act) entertained an audience of over 70 family, friends, and ex playing colleagues of Damien’s, and £405 was raised for ‘Cancer Research UK’ which will go towards prevention, cure and the treatment of cancer.

Here are a number of photographs of the evening.