A MEMORIAL event was held at a football club as it mourns the tragic loss of two popular members.
Whitehaven Miners Social FC held the event in memory of eight-year-old defender Jay Cartmell and Lee Jenkinson, 40, a player, committee member and club fundraiser.
Jay, of Frizington, tragically passed away following a firearms incident near Warcop on September 28 and Lee, of Whitehaven, died suddenly last month.
Whitehaven Miners said Jay and Lee ‘will forever be in their thoughts’ and the memorial event was a ‘special night’ for the families and players.
Mourners gathered outside a memorial created in front of the club’s football pitch to spend time with Jay and Lee’s families and watch a fireworks display.
Lee Coan, of the football club, said: “It’s an honour to be able to celebrate their lives. Two characters who are gone and will never be forgotten. We will all think of them everyday.
“Miners will never be the same but in their honour we will carry on to do our best for all at the club.”
In a tribute to Jay following his death, his parents Leigha and James Cartmell said: “He was loving, kind and full of mischief, the best boy that anyone could wish for and the third corner of our beautiful family ‘triangle’.
“Jay was extremely loved, not only by us but by all who met him.
"He had fantastic friends and always had a smile on his face.
"We will miss him every day, but his love surrounds us and his memory will never fade.”
Lee’s parents, Barrie and Mary and brother Karl paid tribute to Lee, describing him as ‘a kind and generous soul’ and an ‘absolute gentleman who was loved by all of those that knew him’.
They said: “He was our world. Everything Lee did, we were always so proud of him.
“Fiercely loyal, kind and compassionate, Lee was always selfless, thinking of others.
“Anyone who bumped into Lee knew they weren’t going anywhere soon. He absolutely loved the craic and conversation could always entail putting the world to rights.”
Whitehaven Miners thanked local businesses for supporting the memorial event: Little Vape Cave, Malibu Sunset, Wils Hambling butchers, Tesco, Morrisons ( Nicola Titterington), Candy Cabs, Lianne Mean, Gina’s Bakes, Kirsten Amore, Spar Bigrigg, Kimmi’s Craft Creations, The Little Barber Shop and The Lunch box.
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