Sponsorship kicks off second Villa Old Stars match
Aug 18, 2011
A charity football match in aid of a Birmingham hospice has received a major boost, thanks to significant sponsorship support from sports collectables supplier Midlands Memorabilia.
The Erdington company, run by Danny Drewry (pictured with organiser Kieran Lavin and fundraiser Jo Field), has injected £1,750 into the game between Aston Villa Old Stars and Birmingham St Mary’s Hospice, which takes place on Sunday, October 30, at the West Midlands Travel Stadium in Wheelers Lane, Kings Heath.
It is the second such fundraising football match between the Old Stars and the Selly Park-based hospice and this year is being played in memory of Michael Cuddy, 31, of Tysley, a member of the Hospice side who died suddenly last year. As a result, the teams will be playing for the Michael Cuddy Memorial Trophy.
Last year’s game, on April 18, raised over £6,000 on the day but the final total topped £8,200 when all funds were counted. The proceeds have funded vital care for people with life-limiting illnesses from Birmingham and Sandwell.
Organiser Kieran Lavin, a hospice fundraising volunteer from Kings Norton, said: “We’re delighted to be taking on the Aston Villa Old Stars again in 2011 and hope to attract an even bigger crowd to support the Hospice, which does incredible work in our community.
“Huge thanks must go to Danny at Midlands Memorabilia, whose sponsorship has made a big contribution to the organising of the event. The money is helping to ensure that it’s not just about the football but there will be other attractions such as mini quad bikes, penalty shootout game and a bouncy castle, so it will be a real family affair.”
Kieran added: “As well as enjoying some good football we will be remembering our very dear friend Michael Cuddy, who sadly passed away in June last year. Michael was one of my best mates, he was a massive Villa fan and I know he’d want to be in the squad again this year, so that’s why we feel it’s especially important to pay tribute to him,” Kieran said.
Danny said: “It’s a great honour to be able to support this event. I was at last year’s match and was so impressed with the amount of work put in by my good friend Kieran that I knew I had to get involved this year. I’m glad my sponsorship has been able to help and I’m hoping to see a good turn out on the day.”
The match this year is likely to feature players from the legendary ‘82 squad, which famously beat Bayern Munich 1-0 in the European Cup Final in Rotterdam, in addition to other former Aston Villa stars.
Many of the ’82 squad will be in town on Thursday, October 27, for a special ceremony at Villa Park to commemorate their induction into the Hall of Fame at Manchester’s National Football Museum.
Midlands Memorabilia will have a stall at the match, featuring many Aston Villa collectables.
Tickets for the Michael Cuddy Memorial Trophy game go on sale on Monday, August 22. They are available from Jo Field at the Hospice on 0121 472 1191 or email joanne.field@bsmh.org.uk.
Each year Birmingham St Mary’s Hospice cares for around 1,000 people with terminal conditions, the majority of whom are looked after in their homes, surrounded by family and friends. Those with more complex medical needs are able to stay in the Hospice’s Inpatient Unit in Selly Park for respite or symptom control.
Birmingham St Mary’s Day Hospice, on the same site, offers patients with less advanced conditions the chance of a weekly visit to receive medical support, complementary and creative therapies and friendship, whilst giving their home carers some time off.
Search our site
