Charity football match to kick off marathon fundraising

Local dad Stuart Kerry is hosting a charity football match in aid of Leukaemia as part of a funding drive to support running his debut marathon next month.

The 43 year old is getting ready to toe the line at the London Marathon and has organised a Dads v Lads match at Optimus Park, Plymouth on Sunday 15th April as he hopes to raise over £2000 for Leukaemia Care.

The boat builder knows it will not all be plain sailing and said: “I sadly lost my uncle to Leukaemia 30 years ago and this is a great way to do something in his memory while raising funds for this brilliant cause.

“The original staging of the game was postponed due to snow. But we are hoping for a good turn out again to support the Luekaemia Care. For me, it has always been an ambition to run in the marathon, but to run it for a cause so close to me has provided a real inspiration to compete.

Alongside the football match, there will also be a cake sale and raffle all in name of fundraising, with friends and family joining to support the cause.

Stuart added: “Optimus Park have been brilliant for kindly allowing us to use their pitch for the game. So too have all the generous suppliers, including Torquay United who provided a signed ball for the raffle.”

Fundraising efforts for Stuart’s marathon will continue ahead of the event in June and Stuart’s son Ben says: “The London Marathon provides an amazing platform for people to raise money for causes that mean so much to them.

“I’m really proud to say that my dad is going to be taking part, he’s been saying he wants to do it for 20 years! I can’t wait to cheer him on and see him cross the finish line.”

If individuals or businesses would like to support Stuart and Leukaemia Care, then donations can be made to Stuart’s online giving page, which can be found at www.everydayhero.co.uk