Bridgnorth charity football match raises £50,000

Darren Purse, Darren Moore, Jody Craddock and current Coventry City manager Steven Pressley were amongst a host of football stars who signed up for the event in aid of Cure Leukaemia.

Roger Smith and Mark Pilsbury, from Stirling Business Solutions Ltd in Bridgnorth, decided to channel their resources to help the Midlands-based charity.

Mark had first-hand experience in dealing with leukaemia after his wife, Dorothy, was successfully treated for the disease.

Mark, who also raised £2,000 for the charity after cycling 63 miles from Shrewley, near Warwick, through Blockley in the Cotswolds. said: "Following my wife's illness I was inspired to do something for the charity.

"Both Roger and myself are delighted to be of help to this charity and will be supporting a number of fun events during the year, to help raise money for this very worthwhile cause."

The inaugural Club Legends Cup indoor football tournament was held at the LG Arena on July 12.

Money was raised through ticket sales, shirt sponsorship, donations on the day and fan auctions.

The funds will be used to supply life-saving drugs for leukaemia patients around the region.

The competition took place in front of 3,500 fans and the tournament was eventually won Birmingham City on penalties against rivals West Bromwich Albion.

The event also included former stars from Aston Villa, Coventry City, Walsall and Wolverhampton Wanderers.

Youngsters representing Coventry City won the FootieBugs Little Legends Cup against Wolves, while Wolves Women won the Ladies Legends Cup against Coventry City Ladies.

The fan auction raised nearly £15,000 alone and more than 20 supporters became legends for the day as they lined up next to their heroes.

Former Wolves defender Jody Craddock, whose son has leukaemia, took part and addressed the crowd, urging them to donate to Cure Leukaemia.

He said: "My son Toby has leukaemia and it's great the fans have come out to support the players.

"But let's not forgot this whole event is for a fantastic charity in Cure Leukaemia, so please do donate to a great cause."

Cure Leukaemia Trustee and Michelin-starred chef, Glynn Purnell, played for his beloved Birmingham City on the day, and also praised the event.

"This was the first Cure Leukaemia Club Legends Cup, so imagine what it will be like second time around," he said.

Cure Leukaemia's chief executive, James McLaughlin, said he had a proud day for the charity and everyone associated with Cure Leukaemia.

"I can't thank everybody enough," he said.

"Without the players, fans, volunteers and sponsors we would not have been able to put on such a great event.

"The £50,000 raised will directly help leukaemia patients around the region."

Darren Purse, who skippered Birmingham City to victory, was an integral part of making Club Legends Cup a reality.

He said: "It was a brilliant day. Thanks to everyone who took part and especially the fans who played.

"It was all about making the fans feel like legends for the day and to raise a fantastic amount of money for a truly great charity in Cure Leukaemia.

"We succeeded on both fronts. I'm delighted Blues were able to lift the Club Legends Cup as well."