Fans help raise funds (From Redditch Advertiser)

Fans help raise funds

6:08pm Wednesday 17th October 2012 in Evo-Stick Southern Premier Table & Results

BIG-hearted football fans have helped raise more than £6,000 from a charity match at Redditch United.

And among those to benefit from the fabulous fundraising feat is disabled toddler Summer O’Grady whose family are saving up for a specially adapted pushchair.

The cash was raised from a game staged at Redditch United’s Valley Stadium ground between the club’s u21s and a team of Soapstars.

And organiser Aarron Byng, Sports Development Director at the club, said the day was such a success that more would follow.

“The Soapstars really enjoyed it and have already asked if they can come back for another game next year,” he explained. “We had all sorts of people coming along including loads of families and it was marvellous seeing such a spectrum of people down at the Valley.

“It would be good to stage one or two events each year. They are always well received and it gets the community involved in what is very much a community football club.”

Two-year-old Summer was diagnosed with cerebral palsy when she was just eight months old and has also had to undergo an operation to remove cataracts in both eyes. She has to have botox treatment to try and loosen muscles to enable her to stand and walk on her own.

Aarron added: “When we heard the story of Summer, it touched us all. We felt that by donating some of the money to her family it could really make a difference – helping to buy some of the things she so desperately needs.

“We were keen to help as many charities as possible and money has also been handed over to Wish Upon A Smile, Primrose Hospice, SADS UK and Flying Start, which is Comic Relief’s charity.”

Among those taking part in the game were stars from Eastenders, Emmerdale and Hollyoaks and around 1,500 people turned up to cheer them on.

An autographed shirt from the day is to be auctioned off at a future event to raise even more money for charity.