MORE than 150 people are expected to take part in a netball tournament to raise money for a mental health charity in honour of a former player.
Netball league coordinator Lucie Rawlins has organised the tournament along with Becky Peters and Tracey Coppard in memory of Leila Magrabi, a 31-year-old who died in September 2020 after battles with mental health.
The event takes place on Sunday, September 12 at the QE Leisure Centre in Blandford Road, Wimborne and will see 18 teams vie for the top prize – which will be presented by Leila’s mother Linda.
Lucie said: “It’s absolutely fantastic to see the support that we’ve had for this event and it just goes to show how important Leila was to the netball community in the area.
“Everyone is so excited to take part because we are doing this for her. The event marks a year since she left us and having Leila on my mind really motivates me to make this tournament special.
“Leila was a very bubbly person, always smiling and was certainly very feisty on the court. She just enthused brightness, but she had her demons in life.”
More than £750 has been raised ahead of the event, with all the proceeds being donated to the Dorset Mental Health Forum – a peer led charity which aims to improve the lives of those affected by mental illness in the county. A charity representative will be in attendance.
An event sponsor is Meyers Wimborne and Broadstone estate agents. Meyers representative Becky Peters said: "Leila lit up the court with her infectious smile, bright trainers and cackle. We need to ensure her memory lives on and when I was given the opportunity to help create and sponsor this tournament, it was a no brainer."
Trophies and medals for the event have been produced by Wessex Trophies and sponsored by Leagues4you and Meyers.
Lucie added: “I just want to thank everyone who’s involved in this because without your support, this tournament wouldn’t be possible.
“Leila would have absolutely loved this and if she could she’d be here playing. But we know that she will be here in some form, in our thoughts throughout the day.”
For more information, visit: www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/rememberleila
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