THE family of a teenager who died from cancer were ‘overwhelmed’ by the support of friends and businesses who rallied to raise money in her name.

People who knew Maisie Norton, herself a keen footballer, travelled from across the country to join the third annual Maisie memorial match at Wantage Town FC on Saturday.

Decked out in newly-bought pink football shirts, a team put together by Maisie’s younger brother Owen played an opposing 11 after a women’s match featuring sister Ellie and many former colleagues.

Residents of Grove, where Maisie lived – including old school friends, work colleagues and people she met while fundraising – packed out the Alfredian Park ground for the games.

Raising money for the Caring Cancer Trust, which organises trips for children with cancer, the shirts were donated by driving instructor Stewart Saulter while a butcher gave more than 400 burgers and sausages.

Dad Steve Norton, 55, who trained the women’s teams, said: “The generosity of people has been unbelievable – it is a testament to her.

“She fought and fought and fought and I think that’s why people have so much respect for her.

“She was always the first one up in the morning saying ‘shall we go out, can we go for a walk?’ She was always active and everything we do remembers that.”

The King Alfred’s school pupil suffered three relapses during a six-year battle with cancer before her death in October 2015, aged 17.

At 15, she inspired more than 500 people to join a sponsored walk or run through the town for Cancer Research UK.

Mum Rosie Norton said: “Throughout her life she came into contact with so many people – at school, when she worked in the chip shop – she knew everyone.

“People always say ‘I will never forget the moment I met her’ and that shows what a character she was.

“A lot of her friends have now gone off to university and are scattered across the country but they all made the trip back specially.

“She continues to inspire us and keep us all going.”

Former Wantage player Blake Latimer organised the match and said he wants to keep it going as long as Maisie’s parents want it to.

He said: “It’s a day that brings everyone together.

“I love the family and they deserve this.

“It is overwhelming how many people have come out in support.”