A CELEBRITY charity football match is set to take place in Redditch in memory of Lucie Southall who lost her brave battle against leukaemia.
The event, on July 20 at Redditch United’s Valley Stadium, will raise funds for Birmingham Children’s Hospital which supported Lucie’s family during the time she had the illness.
The Lucie Southall Leukaemia Fund was set up in 2014 in memory of the Winyates youngster who lost her battle against leukaemia.
The fund was formed by family and friends after the 12-year-old passed away in August 2014.
It happened just 13 days after she was diagnosed with leukaemia and the hospital’s help was invaluable to the family.
Since then, the family have been on a fund-raising mission, completing events including auctions, a darts night, a bungee jump and a fishing competition and running the London Marathon twice.
In their last fundraising task, Lucie’s cousin, David Southall organised a charity football match, sponsored by Solihull Moors.
He told the Standard: “Our charity, the Lucie Southall Leukaemia Fund raises money for Birmingham Childrens Hospital, Cure Leukaemia as well as Willows Wildlife Foundation as Lucie’s favourite animal was a hedgehog.
“I have visited the hospital, delivering presents in Lucie’s memory to the sick children around Christmas time.
“It gave me a great insight into what the hospital go through and the work required to help the children staying there.
“From that day on, I vowed to support the hospital annually in whatever way possible.
David has raised over £5,000 running the London marathon and hopes to smash that amount with the charity match.
He added: “It is a fantastic day out for everyone, even those who may not be football fans.
“The celebrities interact and make the day wholesome for all those involved, plus we get to raise lots of money for an amazing charity.
“We raise thousands each year in Lucie’s memory.
“For the match in July, we want to sell the stadium out and raise a significant amount of money for the charity.”
The event will provide a fantastic day out for all the family.
The match kicks off at 3pm and tickets are £12 per person.
Visit: sellebritysoccer.org.uk and click the link for ‘upcoming matches and tickets’ for more and to buy tickets.
