Charity football match raises over £4,000 for St Ann’s Hospice
The charity match was held at Monton Sports Club
A charity football match has raised over £8,200 for St Ann’s Hospice and the Christie Hospital.
Alan Davies and his friends used to play football together in the 80s and 90s and were sadly reunited a number of years ago at their friend’s funeral, where they decided to meet up to play five-a-side again.
Alan’s son Jack joined the group one day when they were low on numbers and has been a member ever since.
All changed once again when the founder of the group was diagnosed with cancer. The founder, being a huge inspiration to Jack, has been in and out of the Christie Hospital for the last number of years and according to Jack, still turns up every Wednesday to be a part of the squad.
“He was the main reason why we wanted to put this charity match together,” Jack said.
The match was facilitated by Monton Sports Club in Eccles, with the match kicking off at 10.30am on Saturday, June 28.
“My mum and girlfriend were selling match day programmes, which included some information about the day and the two charities we were raising money for,” Jack said.
The match was between the Little Hulton Legends and the Rest of Walkden with the Rest of Walkden team winning 2-1.
After the match, a trophy was presented to the winners, which now sits in the pub that the group go to after their weekly game.
Also hosted at the pub was an auction that included some signed Manchester United, Bolton Wanderers, and Liverpool memorabilia. Auction prizes were donated by people in the community. Ella Toone also kindly donated an England Lionesses shirt.
After that, the group hosted a mini raffle, which included vouchers from local businesses.
“We also had a bit of a speech at the end of the auction to make sure everyone was aware who the event was for and that he was everyone’s inspiration for the day,” Jack added.