MONEY raised at this month’s showdown between Melksham Town Football Club and the Manchester United Legends has been given to charity.
The event raised £2,700 for charity, which was split evenly between the Teenage Cancer Trust and Wiltshire Air Ambulance.
Accepting the cheque for £1,350 on behalf of the Teenage Cancer Trust in the South West, relationship manager, Tracy Burns, said, “We can’t thank Melksham Town Football Club enough for their support raising an amazing £1,350 with their charity football match with Manchester Utd Legends.
“The money raised will help fund our incredible nurses and services that support teenagers and young people with cancer through the toughest times imaginable. Nothing we do as a charity would be possible without the incredible fundraising efforts and support from partners like Melksham Town Football Club. Thank you to the club and all the supporters you are absolute ‘legends’!”
Wiltshire Air Ambulance’s fundraising manager, Des Regan, said, “We need to raise £3.75 million each year to continue flying and saving lives. We receive no regular direct Government funding or National Lottery, so rely on generous donations from the public and local businesses, such as Melksham Town Football Club.
“We can’t thank them enough for continuing their support for us throughout the Coronavirus pandemic, when times have been so tough for everyone, especially those in non-league football. We wish them every success for the season ahead.”
Melksham Town FC’s chairman, Darren Perrin, said, “As a community football club, we are absolutely delighted to have been able to help these two fantastic charities and we thank everyone who helped and contributed not only to the day but to these two great causes.
“We will be looking to host another of these legends games – whether it will be Tottenham, Liverpool or we welcome Manchester United back down again, remains to be seen.”
1,414 fans watched the game at the beginning of the month, that saw the Man Utd Legends take on a Select XI team made up of local veterans or players who have played for Melksham Town within the last 20 years.
A host of top names appeared for the United side including treble winners Wes Brown and David May; Lee Martin, scorer of the winning goal in the FA Cup Final against Crystal Palace; and Premier League winner Chris Eagles. Guest players also included England internationals Lee Hendrie and Micky Gray.
Picture: Melksham Town FC’s chairman, Darren Perrin (centre) with Wiltshire Air Ambulance’s fundraising manager, Des Regan (left), and Teenage Cancer Trust in the South West’s relationship manager, Tracy Burns (right).
