A 24-HOUR football match in memory of Micky Lewis kicks-off today thanks to the efforts of a determined 15-year-old girl.

Alice Smith, who studies at Cokethorpe School near Witney, organised the charity game after benefitting from the Oxford United legend’s expertise at youth team Stonesfield Strikers.

The teenager (below) wanted to honour Lewis, who died aged 56 in March after being diagnosed with lung cancer, and will join 34 classmates in the marathon match that starts at 2.30pm.

Smith said: “He was really helpful to me throughout the time I played at Stonesfield.

“Micky made me want to play football and made it so fun and enjoyable.

“I wanted to do something big that reflected that.”

The private match starts at 2.30pm in the school’s sports hall, with 35 players rotating in four shifts until full-time at 2.30pm tomorrow.

All the money raised will be distributed between Stand Up To Cancer, Cancer Research UK and The Mickey Lewis Trust.

Smith enlisted the help of PE teacher Rich Cook, who said: “She asked if I could help and as a PE teacher I’m more than happy to support anything to do with sport.

“Alice has put so much effort and passion in and the number of people who signed up shows the admiration her peers have for her.”

Visit justgiving.com/crowdfunding/alice-smith-24hourfootball