Celebrity charity football match in aid of St Catherine’s Hospice

Former professional football stars and soap idols are taking to the pitch in aid of St Catherine’s Hospice this April.

A team of ex-pro legends will go head-to-head with TV celebrities, including actors from popular teen soap Hollyoaks, at Bamber Bridge Football Club in aid of the Lostock Hall charity.

The line-up includes Colin Hendry, ex Blackburn Rovers and Scotland captain, former Preston North End players Lee Cartwright, Paul McKenna, and Brett Ormerod, former Blackburn Rovers player Craig Armstrong, and Northern Ireland International stars Stephen Jones and Stevie Dundee.

Event organiser Tony Cartwright said: “Raising funds and awareness of hospices – especially our local hospice, St Catherine’s – is really important to me and my family. The care and support provided by hospices is remarkable – people never know when they may need the care.”

Tony is speaking from experience after his sister Tracy, from Chorley, stayed in St Margaret’s Hospice in Taunton following her diagnosis of breast cancer in 2012.

He started organising the charity football matches 10 years ago to support the hospice movement, and this spring’s game will see the return of fan favourite and TV chef Dean Edwards, who will be taking to the pitch for the fifth time in aid of St Catherine’s.

“The support so far has been fantastic,” Tony added. “I’d especially like to thank Places Gym and Brendon Ainscough from Ainscough Crane Hire for their support. It’s going to be a great match and we’re hoping for a fantastic turnout.”

The game will kick off at 3pm on Sunday April 23^rd at Bamber Bridge Football Club, and will include refreshments, cheerleaders and a ‘meet and greet’ afterwards.

St Catherine’s donor development officer, Emma Jacovelli, said: “We really appreciate the continued support from Tony and everyone involved in the charity football matches. Once again the Hollyoaks cast will be taking to the pitch against ex professional football stars, and it promises to be a great afternoon for the whole family.

“With the support from people like Tony and those who attend these events, along with others in the community who help raise vital funds for the hospice, we can continue providing our specialist care to local people facing conditions such as Motor Neurone Disease, cancer, heart failure and MS, helping them to experience a good quality of life and, when the time comes, comfort and dignity in death.”

Tickets are £5 each or £15 for a family ticket, available from Bamber Bridge Football Club and at www.skiddle.com/e/12928316

Share with your friends!