Charity football match to be played in tribute of Royal Navy veteran
Eddie Weston passed away earlier this year - and a special match is being played at RNAS Yeovilton later
A very special football match is being played later today - in memory of a local Royal Navy veteran who served in the forces, and as a Civil Servant, for more than four decades.
Eddie Weston passed away back in May in Yeovil - and the idea for the match was raised with the aim of remembering him - and raising vital funds for a charity which he was 'very passionate' about.
They're doing it for Scotty's Little Soldiers, who provide vital bereavement support to children who've lost their parents, who were serving in the military.
The match is happening today (1 July) to mark Eddie's life, having served in the Royal Navy for 22 years - and a further 19 years at RNAS Yeovilton as a Civil Servant.
We're told the game's being played with a local pool of players who knew Eddie well.
Speaking with Greatest Hits Radio, Richard Proctor, who's based with the RAF, told us: "The event kind of came about on a whim. When we heard about his death - we laughed, we cried... He was a larger than life chap. Although he was five foot two in stature, he was more six foot ten in personality.
"Football was a big part of his life - so I thought we should host a match for his military chosen charity, which was Scotty's Little Soldiers.
"He was like my second father - he would put your feet back on the ground when you needed it, and was always there when you needed some advice.
"The lasting impression at his funeral - was that he was the kind of person you'd meet once, and you'd never forget him.
"He was a quintessential military guy, and had the nickname 'Fast Eddie' because he was very adept at looking after people.
"The charity we're doing the match for are an incredible valuable, bespoke, charity. The military is a family - and that's quintessential of Eddie's funeral, and of Scotty's Little Soldiers too. The work the charity does is unbelievable, and they've been fantastic in supporting us to make sure we can make people aware of their cause at our charity match later today.
"This is about the game, about Eddie's memory, and is a great opportunity to show our respect for a well-known veteran who's done so much for others.
"And if you go down, hopefully, you'll get to watch a good game of football!"
The game is free to attend, and kick off will be at 7pm.