Former Kingstonian manager Alan Dowson and a host of other Ks past and present played a benefit match in honour of former Walton Casuals coach Neil Hams on Sunday, writes Stuart Amos.

Defender Gary MacDonald and current Ks goalkeeper Rob Tolfrey were among those that helped raise money for Hams, who suffers from motor neurone disease.

More than 1,000 spectators from across the non-League community turned up to support the family event – which also featured live music and an auction of signed football shirts fromthe likes of Manchester City, Chelsea and Barcelona – organised by Neil’s brother and former Stags boss Mark.

“It was an absolutely phenomenal day. I cannot put in to words how good it was,” said the ex-Kingstonian coach.

“We had raised £5,000 before the day had started and we are still counting. It will all go towards anything Neil wants to tick off on his bucket list while he still can.

“It was like a working class family coming together to look after one of their own.

“I cannot emphasise enough how grateful we are to people who made the effort and sacrificed other events to be there for Neil.”