A MELKSHAM charity, which is raising money to fund a life-changing operation for a local five-year old boy, is to receive a boost from former professional footballer, Paul “Gazza” Gascoigne.
The legendary footballer, is coming to Melksham Assembly Hall next month on the evening of Friday 31st January with his ‘An Evening With Paul Gascoigne’ show, and profits from a charity auction and a raffle held on the night will go to Raising for Raife.
Raising for Raife is a charity set up by the family and friends of Raife Wilson, who was born with cerebral palsy, a condition which affects movement and co-ordination, making it hard for him to balance.
Money raised by the campaign will go towards the cost of an operation that will help Raife walk on his own – an operation that Raife does not qualify for on the NHS. Money will also go towards his aftercare.
So far, nearly £30,000 has been raised of the campaign’s target of £40-45,000, by the community and local businesses.
Raife’s mother, Laura Wilson, told Melksham News, “We are just very grateful that a local business [who are organising the event] has chosen to support us by trying to raise some funds. We are looking forward to the night. Andrew (Raife’s father) is a huge football fan!”
Organisers of the event said, “We are proud that we have chosen Raising for Raife as our nominated good cause for ‘An Evening With Paul Gascoigne’.
“Raife is a wonderful little boy who lives in Melksham and who is fundraising for a much-needed, life-changing operation that is not funded by the NHS.
“The profits from the charity auction, where you will be able to bid for autographed memorabilia, and raffle, will be donated to Raising For Raife and there will also be collection buckets dotted around the venue. We hope that you will get behind this incredibly good cause.”
About the evening organisers say, “The legendary former Tottenham Hotspur, Rangers, Lazio, Newcastle, Middlesbrough, Everton and England midfielder will recount all the stories from an incredible career; from Italia ’90, winning the FA Cup at Wembley, playing against Diego Maradona, and also delve into some of the antics and darker times that have and have not made the tabloids.
“An evening not to be missed for any football fan, guests will also have the opportunity to meet Paul before the show, and win some incredible signed sporting memorabilia.”
Tickets for the event, which organisers say are selling fast, are available online from: www.gazza tickets.co.uk.
Platinum VIP ticket – £85+booking fee, limited to 72 tickets only. It features access to the VIP reception, meet and greet, champagne and canapés, bottle bar, complimentary programme, photo with Paul Gascoigne, upgraded photo frame, and seats in the front three rows of main event. Gold VIP ticket – £55+booking fee. It includes meet and greet Paul Gascoigne, photo with Paul Gascoigne, seats in rows 4 – 10 of main event, and complimentary programme
General admission – £35+booking fee includes live interview, participation in live Q & A, participation in charity auction and participation in raffle.
Support Melksham News
Help us keep your community connected and informed.
Local news is under pressure more than ever. Choose a monthly subscription or a one-off donation to support independent reporting in Melksham.
Send us your news!
Help us keep your community connected and informed.
Do you have an interesting story you would like to share? Have you seen something you feel needs more attention? Get in touch with a reporter today!
✉️ Click here to get in touch with a reporter
