TRIBUTES have been paid to a football club legend who was a lifelong Kendal Town supporter until his death from cancer last year. 

The Anord Mardix vs Gilkes workers played the first-ever Graham O'Callaghan Shield in aid of Macmillan and raised £2,000 in the process. 

Graham, originally from London, moved to the area when he was a child. His nickname of Chelsea came from his support for the Stamford Bridge side although his son Scott said that he was a 'big part of Kendal Town' and he was known for his 'loyalty.' 

Graham with his friends at Kendal Town FCGraham with his friends at Kendal Town FC (Image: Submitted)

He worked in the Kendal Nutricare factory, then known for producing Heinz and Farley products, for over 34 years. In September, Graham had a short battle with oesophagus cancer, and died aged 62. 

Graham was a loyal supporter of The MintcakesGraham was a loyal supporter of The Mintcakes (Image: Submitted)

In the game playing Skelmersdale after Graham's death, 900 fans showed up in the rain to pay their respects, which was over triple the number that would have normally shown up. 

When asked what fans remember about Graham, Scott said: "How nice he was to people. I have had messages from clubs around the country. When he was in Kendal Town as a commercial manager he made friends with fans, he welcomed teams.

Hundreds of fans went to the game after Graham's death to pay their respectsHundreds of fans went to the game after Graham's death to pay their respects (Image: Submitted)

"He would have done anything for anybody - even if Kendal were getting beat 6-0." 

Scott said he was 'overwhelmed' by the level of support shown after his dad's death. 

This week, Kendal Town FC hosted the FA Cup trophy. Graham said that his father 'was there in spirit.' 

Scott said that his dad 'would have done anything for anyone' Scott said that his dad 'would have done anything for anyone' (Image: Submitted)

Scott said the Graham O'Callaghan Shield would become an annual event.

Scott's brother Jamie presented a £1,765 cheque to the club after completing the gruelling Bob Graham Round in memory of his dad and donating all the raised funds to the club. 

The Arnold Clark vs Gilkes game for the first Graham O'Callaghan Shield with Scott and his mum in the middle

The game for the first Graham O'Callaghan Shield with Scott and his mum in the middle (Image: Submitted)

Chairman Michael O'Neill said: "We're really overwhelmed to accept this donation from the O'Callaghans who have been an integral part of Kendal Town for decades. I'd like to congratulate Jamie on his unbelievable achievement and we hope the raised funds will continue to honour Graham's memory."