Football Night nets record amount for hospice care

The sixth annual Football Night fundraiser has raised over £9,000 to support local patients and families at the Hospice.

The record-breaking amount – almost double last year’s total – was made possible thanks to the generosity of footballing legends, supporters, and dedicated volunteers.

More than 200 football fans from across Tameside gathered on Friday 26th September for an evening of laughter, memories and behind-the-scenes stories from Manchester City greats Joe Corrigan MBE, David White and Brian Horton.

Hosted by former top-flight referee Roger Dilkes, the event – held at Dukinfield Masonic Hall for the third successive year – proved to be a huge hit, with the audience enjoying candid and entertaining insights from the trio of City stars.

Over the years, a host of football favourites – including Martyn Buchan, Peter Barnes, Eamon O’Keefe, Trevor Ross, Ella Toone, Alex Williams MBE and Tommy Booth – have appeared free of charge to help raise vital funds for the Hospice. This year was no different, with the three City legends ensuring the night was one to remember.

Former professional goalkeeper and Manchester FA ambassador Allan Grafton MBE once again played a crucial role in securing the support of the footballing guests.

The Football Night is organised each year by long-time Hospice supporters Brian Wild and Chris Smith, who have together raised more than £40,000 for Willow Wood since Chris’s wife was cared for at the Hospice in 2013.

Former Tameside Civic Mayor and Hospice patron Brian Wild said: “We’re all volunteers and even the pie and peas for 200 guests are made at home by Cllr Denise Ward, at her own expense. We aimed to raise £7,000 but this result is just astonishing. Chris and I are so pleased this money will go straight towards providing compassionate and dignified care for people across Tameside and Glossop.”

“The Football Night always sells out, and the tickets get snapped up quickly. I take my hat off to the sportspeople who give up their time to entertain and support the Hospice. Many people here have a personal connection to Willow Wood, and this event shows how deeply the Hospice touches local lives.”

Much of the fundraising success also came from the wider community, with sponsorship and donations from local businesses including Cosmo Bingo (Stalybridge), Bay Freight, Manchester Credit Union, APEX Joinery, Lo-Cost Windows and Hyde Accessible Transport Ltd, among others.

Lucy Ta’ati, Community Fundraiser at Willow Wood Hospice, said: “Without people like Brian and Chris organising these events, Willow Wood would not be able to continue offering the care and support our community needs. We are truly grateful for their incredible dedication and for the generosity of everyone who supported this year’s Football Night.”