THE sister of a victim of the September 11 terror attacks has praised the charity set up in his name after it raised almost £300,000.

The foundation was launched in memory of Robert Eaton, who was just 37 when he died in the terror attacks at The World Trade Center in New York.

Robert, who lived in New York, was working on the 105th floor of the World Trade Centre when it was struck by a hijacked plane in 2001.

Soon after Robert's death his fellow fans set up a memorial fund and began putting on fundraising events.

To this day, the Robert Eaton Memorial Fund hosts an annual football match between rival Albion and Crystal Palace supporters.

The Argus: Brett Mendoza and Mike Langridge. Photo: Tony Wood

Robert's sister, Angela Ridge said: "While the 20 year anniversary of 9/11 brings back many sad memories of a difficult time, the family are immensely proud of the Robert Eaton Memorial Fund set up in Rob's name and to all who have been involved in tirelessly promoting the charity over the years."

On the day Robert died, his beloved Albion played, losing 3-0 to Southampton in the League Cup.

Just months after his death, the first memorial game took place on November 9 at Southwick Football Club.

By the fifth anniversary of Robert's death, more than £40,000 had been raised for youth football initiatives.

A club for underprivileged Hispanic children in New York benefited from the funding, with five Sussex football clubs also receiving support.

The Argus: Robert Eaton, 9/11 terror attack victim, was a big Brighton Albion fan.

At the time, Robert's father, Doug Eaton, said: "The fund is something Robert would have been very proud of. He would have been thrilled to think that his legacy was to help children play football."

While Fund chairman Gareth Glover also said: "What better way to honour Robert's memory than giving pleasure to hundreds of children who may not have had the opportunity to play football?"

To mark the tenth anniversary of the attacks, the fund donated £30,000 to buy a minibus for disabled young people in Sussex.

The most recent memorial match was played on July 16 2021, after a year break due to Covid last year.

The Argus: Albion's REMF squad for the match against Crystal Palace supporters. Picture: The REMF

This year the 70-year-old former Albion striker Ricky Marlowe - one of Robert's favourite players - took part.

The match took place at Worthing FC’s Woodside Road stadium with Brighton supporters celebrating an 8-1, with the match raising £7,000.

The fund was set up to raise money for underprivileged children in the UK and overseas and has raised almost £300,000 in the past 20 years.

Ms Ridge thanked Gareth Glover, Brett Mendoza, Mike Langridge, Alan Wares and the other fans who have played a large part in the fund.

"It is heartening to know that some good has come out of such a tragedy," said Angela.

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