Family and friends raise funds for much-loved football coach Farouk Menia after his death from cancer
The family and friends of a football team coach are aiming to raise £10,000 for his
family, after his death.
Farouk Menia, coach of AFC Phoenix & Dulwich Hamlet ladies, passed away following a long battle with cancer at the age of 44.
Farouk, who coached the team for eight years, was diagnosed with cancer at the end of AFC Phoenix’s title winning season in 2017.
He passed away surrounded by close family and friends on Thursday, November 8.
A GoFundMe page was created to raise money for the family of Mr Menia, which
currently has £3,404 worth of donations.
The organiser of the GoFundMe page, Zoë Elmore, said; “Farouk was a bright spot in all of our lives, on and off the football pitch.
“He was one of the friendliest people I’ve ever come across – from the first time you met him you went from strangers to best friends in a matter of seconds.
“He always said to us ‘be spicy’ – something that is now central to our club’s identity. As true to his nature, he shielded from us the extent of his illness as much as possible so as not to worry or upset us.
“A testament to the kind of man he was. He was the heartbeat of the club.
“The impact Farouk had on our lives will never be forgotten. And to honour him and his memory, we are asking for support to provide for his family, including his two young children, during this incredibly difficult time.
“We’ll be having a Celebration of Life service for him on Sunday, December 8 after the Dulwich Hamlet Women’s match in the DHFC clubhouse (around five pm).
“We invite anyone who wishes to pay respect and raise a glass in his honour
to attend”.
AFC Phoenix were a grassroots woman’s football team established in 2010.
In June of this year, AFC Phoenix merged with Dulwich Hamlet FC.
As of the 2019/20 season, AFC Phoenix of the London and South East Premier Division will play as Dulwich Hamlet Women’s FC.
To donate to the GoFundMe page, go to https://www.gofundme.com/f/5a3kh9-celebrating-farouk-menia
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