Celebrities took on local football players in a star studded game in the city to raise cash and awareness of childhood cancer.
Cancer doesn’t discriminate. Today, 11 more children and young people will sadly hear the devastating news that they have it.
When it strikes young lives, the charity, CLIC Sargent, helps families limit the damage cancer causes beyond their health.From diagnosis, CLIC Sargent’s specialist care teams step in, ready to help, support and guide. They will provide a specialist package of support tailored to each young cancer patient and family.
The charity fights tirelessly for children and young people with cancer. Therefore, it’s no surprise that celebrities were willing to support CLIC Sargent last weekend (1st July) during the popular annual charity football game, PBOvsCancer – which took place at Yaxley Football Club.
Celebrities in attendance included football legend Neil ‘Razor’ Ruddock (former Premier League defender), Jody Latham (Shameless), Thomas Turgoose (This is England), Joseph Valente (Apprentice winner), Colin MacLachlan (SAS hero) and many more.
Playing against the celebs were 16 lucky locals inlcuding ESP’s very own Darren Grigas (all ably managed by Drew Cook) – who had bid for a place in the Public Team squad.
So, who do you think won – the public or the celebs? After an intense game, the final score was 3-2 to the public side pictured below!
Everyone in attendance seemed to be having a great time. With the beer flowing and the crowd’s noise level giving the Peterborough United games a run for their money, it was a fantastic success.
After the game, I spoke with Raphael Frascogna (the event chairperson) who said, “The day went really well and makes all of the effort put in by our amazing volunteers all worth it. We had around 700 spectators who were all in great spirits and really made for a great atmosphere.
“Each year the event grows and more people support the day and it’s the combined effort of everyone – players, spectators, officials and volunteers – who help us to continue to raise much needed funds for cancer charities.”
Will there be another game next year? Raphael told me, “For sure! We will be back in 2018 bigger and stronger.”
With everyone on and off the pitch having a great time and the day way surpassing the target of 10k for charity, it was a win – win.
For more details go to www.PBOvsCancer.co.uk
During the event I was able to catch up with a few of the celebs. Here’s what they had to say…
Neil ‘Razor’ Ruddock on being known as a bit of a prankster: “Well, you’ve got to enjoy life. People seem to take it so seriously these days. A favourite prank used to be hiding players’ cars – parking them in entirely different car parks before putting their keys back in the jacket pockets as if nothing had happened.”
Thomas Turgoose on whether we’ve seen the last of This is England: “Personally, I think they should leave it on a high. I loved Shameless when it was first on the tele but in my opinion, with each new series it loses some of its quality. I don’t want that to happen with This is England.”
Joseph Valente on life since winning The Apprentice: “Things are going great and my business has gone from strength to strength. I was recently able to buy Lord Sugar out so I now own 100% of it. I’ve been working on a book which is out in October and focuses on going from being expelled at school to winning The Apprentice and it will go into the behind-the-scenes of the show also. I’ll let ESP know more about it closer to the launch.”
Mikey Clarke
Photos: Ross Ayres
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