A Radcliffe man is enlisting the help of former Bury FC footballers in memory of his son who died aged 13.
Stephen Platt, 53, will host a fundraising match with the help of former Bury FC players to raise money for a good cause and to celebrate the life of his son, Lewis.
Stephen has decided to hold the match in aid of Thrombosis UK, as well as the NHS and other local charities after Lewis died suddenly in 2018 as a result of a blood clot.
The event, held at Radcliffe FC's Neuven Stadium, will see former players return to the pitch as well as games and activities such as a bouncy castle, raffle and face painting, and refreshments will be provided by a burger van.
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Players include Radcliffe FC and former Bury player Nicky Adams, Radcliffe FC player-manager Bobby Grant, Ex-premier league player Colin Henry and Preston North End manager, Ryan Lowe, who also played for and managed Bury FC.
Stephen says the match is a long time coming, having been delayed due to the pandemic.
He hopes it will help to keep Lewis’ memory alive through his love of football.
“At that age you don’t expect it, I do these events to show he’s not been forgotten,” said Stephen.
“I want to make it a fun day, everyone goes to football matches at the weekend but don’t always go to one with a fun fair.”
Stephen, who works at Asda Radcliffe and as a security guard at football clubs in the region, said the St Gabriel’s RC High School pupil loved accompanying his dad at work and watching the games.
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He said: “Me and Lewis were always together, if people Lewis they knew me.”
Stephen says he hopes to make the match an annual event and is aiming to raise around £10,000.
His next step will be to secure some prizes for the raffle.
Despite the big names dropping by, Stephen is mindful of the rising cost of living crisis and is offering adult tickets for £5, under 16s and OAPs for £3 and children under five can go for free.
Discounts for families buying multiple tickets can receive a discount.
The match takes places on Sunday, May 14 with kick off at 2pm. For tickets, contact Stephen at stephenplatt1702@gmail.com.
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