LIAM HARKER NIGHT

A SIGNED glove from boxing legend Evander Holyfield is among an impressive haul of sports memorabilia to be auctioned in memory of a teenage Liverpool fan who died from cancer.

The special charity night is being held in memory of brave 17-year-old LFC supporter Liam Harker who touched the hearts of Reds fans.

Organisers have amassed a huge catalogue of items including a signed Fernando Torres shirt, a Seve Ballesteros autographed golf visor, a signed Phil Taylor shirt and darts and an Ian Botham signed bat.

Liam was wearing his beloved Liverpool strip when he died in May after intense chemotherapy failed to beat Burkitt's lymphoma, a rare and aggressive form of cancer.

In the last few weeks of his life Liam watched tearfully as banners dedicated to him were filmed by TV cameras at Anfield during the first leg of the Champions League semi-final against Chelsea.

The youngster, who lived in Darlington, was invited to meet Rafa Benitez and the Liverpool players at Melwood but was to ill to go.

The charity night at the town's Dolphin leisure centre will raise money for Teenage Cancer Trust and North East Cancer Research.

Liam's parents, Tracey and Reuben Harke, promised to attend.

They will take their seats on the front row along with the teenager's girlfriend Rachel, 17.

His dad asked for the function room to be decorated with the football banners dedicated to his son at Anfield.

Organiser John Doherty said: "The last couple of months have been tough for the family.

"They are not in a good way as it's truly hit home that Liam has gone. I meet the family regularly and they are really grateful for the support their son received."

So far 150 tickets have been sold for the October 3 event. People unable to attend can still place sealed bids.

Other items going under the hammer include Joe Calzaghe memorabilia, a signed Monty Panesar cricket shirt, a signed 18th hole flag from Nick Faldo's Open showing at Muirfield in 1987 and a signed photo of the Duchess of York.

For the full list of auction items visit http://liamharkerauction.freehostia.com /list.html. For tickets contact the Dolphin leisure centre on 01325 388406.