A GAME between former Burton Albion players and other special guest ex-professionals has raised £8872.18 for two charities.
Over 2,000 people turned out to attend the game, whichincluded a Pre-Match Family Zone at the Burton Albion Community Football Centre, opened by Ray Garlick, Managing Director of main event sponsor Raygar.
The fixture was organised by former Burton Albion player Aaron Webster, former Brewers player and current Mickleover FC manager John McGrath, and former Derby County and Mickleover FC player Pablo Mills.
Their chosen charities, Sam's Superheroes and Burton Albion Community Trust, have now been presented with cheques for £4436.09 each.
A hat-trick by Marcus Tudgay secured a 4-2 win for the Ex-Pro XI, with the game also featuring crowd favourites DJ Nathan Dawe, and TikTok star Cal the Dragon.
Local businesses TAG, Happy Place Holidays, Vivid Print, Prestec, Trent & Dove, Ashgate Accountants, Cresco Heating Services, Arnold & Lockhart Electrical, and Reactive Maintenance Services all also sponsored the event to add to the overall total of monies raised.
Following the cheque presentation, Rachel Liew from Sam’s Superheroes, who set up the charity to create an ever-lasting legacy for her five-year-old son who died in May 2021, said she is overwhelmed by the amount raised.
She said: “I would like to say a heartfelt thank you to everyone who worked behind the scenes to make the event so wonderful.
“Words cannot express how deeply appreciative I am for the generosity, kindness and support I have been shown by individuals and organisations.
“It is impossible to mention everyone but some of the key people to thank include Burton Albion, their Chairman Ben Robinson and Community Trust, Mickleover FC Chairman Don Amott and former professional footballers Aaron Webster, John McGrath and Pablo Mills for picking us as one of their chosen charities.
"I'd like to say huge thanks to Burton Albion's Rob Slater for organising the event together with Stef White. I'd also like to thank all the players that played, as well as all the spectators, stewards, staff, teams, volunteers and anybody else that has helped to make it happen.
"Finally, and most importantly, a huge thank you to my very own superhero, Sam. A beautiful, kind, caring, courageous and truly amazing little boy, who is at the heart of today. One-in-a-million in every sense, and we are truly thankful of the precious five years we had with you.”