"A wonderful way to remember our two boys" - Mental Mechanics football match raises thousands for charity
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THOUSANDS of pounds have been raised for mental health charities by a fund-raising football match in Forres.
On Friday night, Edinburgh-based Mental Mechanics – created in memory of Forres man Charlie Tull – visited the town for the very first time, taking on Welfare League side Carisbrooke at Mosset Park in front of a crowd in excess of 200.
The Brooke ran out 3-2 winners after a highly entertaining match, but football was secondary on the night with the game, which took place in memory of Charlie and fellow Forres man Martin Scott, set to raise more than £5000 for charity.
The clubs came together to run three raffles, while there were donations at the gate. The biggest raffle saw more than 80 prizes donated by local businesses, raising around £3500.
Mal Scott, father of Martin, said: “It was a really wonderful evening and it meant so much to us.
"To see so many people was just fantastic. I just want to say a big thank you to everyone – to Mental Mechanics, the Carisbrooke and everybody who donated prizes for the raffles.
“People in Forres have been fantastic, and they came out in great numbers.
“It’s a sad night in many ways but what a wonderful way to remember the two boys.
“We can’t bring our boys back, but if we can help one person then it’s all worth it.”
Mirren Tull, Charlie’s sister, said: “It’s the most amazing thing these boys have done and it was wonderful to see Charlie’s friends together.
"They’ve managed to turn something so horrendous into something that brings everyone a bit of happiness.
"These guys are heading on the right path and are making change."
Father Martin Tull added: "It highlighted how important it is to speak out and reach out to people. It's a very strong message.
"It was a lovely evening, a very 'human' evening. A huge amount of positives have come out of it."
The match itself was end-to-end. While it was friendly by name it was competitive in nature.
Josh MacPhee, a Forres local, gave Mental Mechanics a 1-0 half-time lead with a great strike high into the roof of the net from 12 yards.
But Mechanics couldn’t hold on to win, with three Carisbrooke goals in six second-half minutes turning the game on its head.
Jake Carpenter equalised on 75 minutes after great set-up play from Kyle Rowe, before Connor Aubrey made it 2-1 to the Brooke with a low drive.
Ex-Forres Mechanics man Scott Moore hit the bar shortly after with an unfortunate own goal from Gregor Devlin making it 3-1.
Ross Cooper grabbed a late goal to ensure one last celebration for the visitors.
Mental Mechanics chairman Fin Anderson added: “The amount of supporters that came to watch was phenomenal.
"Although we lost 3-2, the boys all had a great time and enjoyed playing in a stadium they’d never normally get to play in.
“Charlie and Martin’s parents have been great supporters for us so it was great to connect the club back to them and acknowledge that they're as much part of this team as every player in the changing room.
"I always want them to feel like they're welcome wherever we are so it was really nice to come back to Forres and tie it all in.
"A big thank you, too, to Forres Mechanics, the Brookie and also all of the Forres girls who helped with the raffles. We couldn't have done it without them all.
“All in all, it was a great day out, we raised some awareness for mental health and had some fun for the boys.”
Liam Ross, Carisbrooke co-manager, said: "The way the whole town came together has been brilliant.
"Everyone combined and made it a great night."
Fellow manager Mark MacPhee said: "The money we have raised has been brilliant. It's blown us away and it's blown the Mental Mechanics boys away.
"We wanted to win with it being in Forres, as well, and we got the win in the end so that's always a bonus."
The families of both Martin and Charlie were presented with framed shirts with their sons name on at the match.
To donate to Mental Mechanics' cause visit www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/carisbrookevsmmfc.
