Minute's applause for former player

Margate are holding a minute's applause before kicking off against Kingstonian in the Ryman Premier on Tuesday night in remembrance of former player and local footballer Luke Williams.

Williams, pictured, was a popular teacher at Hartsdown Academy, and was 29 when he lost his battle against mouth cancer earlier this month. The tribute at the fixture follows his funeral earlier on Tuesday.

After being diagnosed on the day of his 28th birthday in June 2013, the IT teacher went on to raise more than £20,000 for charity and the Pilgrims Hospice in Margate. His bucket list of things to do before he died including marrying his fiancee Linda which he did in August.

In a statement on their website ahead of the 7.45pm kick-off, the club said: "Luke touched the hearts of everyone locally when deciding to help others while fighting his own battle. Margate Football Club kindly asks all supporters attending to join us in remembering Luke with a minute’s applause before kick-off."

Hartsdown Academy are naming their new 3G floodlit pitch in honour of Williams and will run a new Luke Williams Cup for local clubs.

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