FRIENDS and family of a football lover that suddenly passed away before Christmas are hosting a charity game in his honour.

Father-of-four and Manchester United supporter Andy Beattie, 58, died in late November just weeks after falling ill.

His family from Bicester has since been overwhelmed by the support of many locals with Andy known as a "big character" known by many in the town.

The charity football match on Sunday, April 10, will see his fellow Red Devils fans pitted against rival Liverpool supporters.

Widow Debbie Beattie, 54, said: "Andy was the love of my life, we were together 23 years and married in August 2005. He was kind, generous and very loving."

Step daughter Natasha Hirons, 28, added: "He loved football and was a massive Man Utd fan, he would go up to home games and my brother Neil would go along, plus mum also went to sometimes as well.

"He worked with Highfield football club for about 15 years as well.

"Everyone knew Andy, he was loved and well known around the area. He never had a bad word to say about anyone, very caring and would give anything to anyone."

Mr Beattie, from Bucknell Road, fell ill at the beginning of November when he visited the doctors complaining of a chesty cough.

After several tests and hospital visits, Mr Beattie passed away at the John Radcliffe just weeks later.

The family later were told that Mr Beattie had lung cancer.

He left behind his children – Ms Hirons, Nicola Beattie, Neil Beattie and Jason Hirons – and grandchildren Brooke Hirons, Liam Beattie and Ella Beattie.

Friends and family were shocked to hear the sad news and friends recently contacted the family to arrange the fundraising footie match in his honour.

The game will kick off at 1pm on Bicester Football Club's ground and will see the two sets of rival fans battle it out.

The teams will compete for the Andy Beattie memorial trophy and proceeds from the game will go to charity.

Ms Hirons said: "Everyone was really shocked when Andy passed away, we had a lot of support from everyone.

"People were coming round all the time and to see if we needed anything.

"My mum was a bit overwhelmed when they came to us about the football match, it shows his memory lives on.

"It is something he would have very much loved."

The money raised will be going towards the Make a Wish Foundation and Breast Cancer Care, there will be no entrance fee instead a raffle and donations are welcomed.