Football tribute to Oswaldtwistle teenager raises thousands

3:32pm Wednesday 7th May 2008

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SUPPORTERS clapped for one-minute at the beginning of a football match in memory of an Oswaldtwistle teenager.

Family and friends of Francesca Sanna, 19, who died of a severe allergic reaction last year, raised hundreds in her memory.

Francesca, affectionately known as Mim, suffered from anaphylaxis, which involved asthma and food allergies. She died at her Fielding Lane home after coming into contact with an unknown ingredient.

Her loved ones decided to honour 'Mim' with a match at Accrington Stanley's Fraser Eagle Stadium with all funds raised to go towards The Anaphylaxis Campaign which is campaigning for more research.

The total raised is not yet known, but over 600 people donated between £1-£2 entry and raffle tickets at the event on Bank Holiday Monday, sold out.

Francesca's brother Domenico said: "It couldn't have gone better. We're overwhelmed by everyone's support."

Other fundraisers planned include a car wash at Accrington's Asda on May 24 and Church and Oswaldtwistle Rotary Club are planning a 10-mile walk in Francesca's memory on May 11.