A FOOTBALL-MAD father and son’s stadia challenge has become a poignant tribute following the death of a teenage relative.

Graeme McNally and son Jamie from Sutton Leach turned a hobby into a fundraiser when they decided to set a goal of visiting all 92 league grounds for charity.

But part-way through their challenge Graeme’s 19-year-old cousin, Michael McNally, died unexpectedly in his sleep.

Liverpool supporter Graeme said: “Michael was training to be an accountant and was flying through his exams.

“He was in perfect health and this has been a very shocking and upsetting time for everyone.”

Graeme, 39, said: “After it happened, I spoke to his dad Kevin and he asked if we could take Michael’s Liverpool scarf with us to every game because he was a massive football fan. I said it would be an honour.”

He added: “It’s like we’re taking a part of Michael with us to each ground we visit and it’s made our challenge a lot more emotional.”

So far Graeme and 11-year-old Jamie have visited 20 clubs, from Portsmouth to Bolton, and have raised more than £600 online for their chosen cancer charity, the Marina Dalglish Appeal.

They were also presented with a cheque for £920 from Graeme’s workplace, Halewood International, and recently gained sponsorship from the ginger beer company, Crabbie’s.

Graeme said: “My colleague Lynn Block organised all our sponsorship. It’s been fantastic – we’ve even been given a car by Crabbie’s to help us travel to the games.”

They are cataloguing their adventures with a photo scrapbook, which already boasts shots of Willow Tree Primary School pupil Jamie with QPR manager Neil Warnock and Morecambe’s Sammy McIlroy.

Graeme, from Minehead Grove, said: “Jamie’s favourite so far has been Accrington Stanley. They couldn’t have been nicer and let us take a photo with the players in the dressing room.”

But the ground they are most looking forward to and saving until last is Anfield.

Graeme added: “Our big wish is to be able to meet Kenny Dalglish.

“He’s always been my hero and I’ve heard nothing but good things about him, so we are hoping he will let us have a photo with him to complete our album.”

Also on the Liverpool FC supporters’ to-do list is the ground of their arch rivals, Manchester United.

Graeme, a warehouse manager, joked: “Usually we support the home team when we’re visiting grounds but we can’t do that at Old Trafford. We might be able to get around it by going to see the Football League play-off finals if we can get hold of tickets.”

If you would like to help Graeme and Jamie achieve their £2,500 target go online at: justgiving.com/jamie-mcnally.