MELKSHAM Town FC is hosting a charity football match in memory of former Melksham Town FC youth player, Ben Smith, who died in November at the age of 18.
The match, taking place on Sunday 2nd January, will raise money for Help Counselling, a local charity that offers free and low-cost counselling in the West Wiltshire, Bath and North East Somerset areas.
The charity has said that all money raised by this event will go towards providing extra counselling sessions and training for anyone trying to cope with bereavement, loss and trauma.
Playing will be Ben’s former Melksham Town youth teammates, up against another former Melksham Town youth team, which includes Ben’s brother, Alex.
Organisers of the match say, “This is an opportunity to remember Ben and celebrate his life in a way which he would’ve wanted. Ben loved football and had many friends within Melksham Town FC, so we are very grateful to the club for hosting this charity event.”
The match is being held at Melksham Town FC’s Oakfield Stadium, Sunday 2nd January, from 11.30am. Kick-off is at 1pm. Entry to the match is a donation to the charity, paid on the gate.
There will also be a raffle on offer at the match, with over 150 prizes available to win. Prizes, that have been donated by local businesses and residents, include hairdresser and barber vouchers, MOT vouchers, hampers, gift cards, and much more.
And up for grabs in a charity auction are a number of signed football shirts, including from clubs Bristol City, Bristol Rovers and Wolverhampton Wanderers.
For more information, visit the Facebook page: www.facebook.com/A-tribute-to-Ben-Smith-charity- football-match-1003285191 57483
Ben died in hospital following an assault in Bath that took place in the early hours of Monday 1st November.
Donations to local charity Help Counselling, in Ben’s memory, can be made online via the JustGiving page: www.justgiving.com/campaign/RememberingBen
