Fundraisers are hoping to hit the net and bag a load of cash for charity with a forthcoming football match.
Walsall Healthcare NHS Trust’s Well Wishers charity is taking on a side put together by Wolves fan Kyle Davies to raise funds to support patients.
The game takes place on Saturday, May 28 at Bar 442, Sporting Khalsa FC’s Noose Lane ground, formerly home to non-league Willenhall Town, with a 2pm kick-off.
James Higginson, 49, is Kyle’s step dad who is captaining the ‘Woefulhampton Wanderers’ and is hoping to roll back the years.
Assistant Digital Communications Officer Ben Malpass, 23, is captain of the Well Wishers FC team, which is drawn from staff who work for the Trust.
Kyle, 25, has already proven he’s a keen Well Wishers supporter after raising £300 to buy young patients at Walsall Manor Hospital Christmas presents. He topped that up by another £360 when he ran the Stafford Half Marathon in March.
Becoming a father to daughter Sienna over two years ago has given the Willenhall dad a different perspective on life and Kyle, a sales consultant for an architectural ironmongery firm, wants to give something back.
Now this is his next fundraiser, and he’s assembled a team from friends and friends of friends to take part.
James said: “Kyle roped me in as we play five-a-side, so he asked me if I fancied a game and of course I agreed.
“I don’t play much these days but I used to play for HUF UK in Sunday League and Noose Lane was our home ground, so I’ll get the boots back on and try to see if I can still get about!
“I hung up my boots about eight years ago but I’ve been brushing up on my fitness and we’re all looking forward to it.
“The fact he’s got work, his own family and he’s doing this, I’m really proud of Kyle. And what better cause than to give to people in need – they could be older relatives of any of us, or our kids.”
James has been topping up his fitness levels by half marathon training with his partner, Kyle’s mum.
And competitive Ben said: “We’re really looking forward to playing again. We haven’t had chance to train together as a lot of the staff work different shifts and some of us play for other teams too so it’s difficult to arrange to meet.
“But we love to play so we hope to give them a good game and it’s all for a good cause.”
Fundraising and Engagement Manager Georgie Westley said: “We’re delighted Kyle has decided to support Well Wishers again and thank him for his efforts.
“Obviously we want Well Wishers to win the game but the real winner is the charity and hopefully we can raise some more money.”
Admission to the game is £5 each for adults, £2 each for ages four to 14 and under fours free. The bar will be open for food and drink from 12 noon, and there will also be hampers of spirits, wine and beauty products raffled off on the day for £2 each per ticket. All are welcome to attend.