Stars sport Team Lewis wristbands

Buy photos » Warwickshire and England cricketer Ian Bell has been wearing the Team Lewis wristband. (s)

A HOST of famous faces including a world-famous rapper and an international sportsman are proudly wearing wristbands in memory of a Redditch boy.

Musician Professor Green and cricketer Ian Bell are among those sporting white, red and blue bands in support of Team Lewis, the fund-raising group set up following the tragic death of four-year-old Lewis O’Neill in 2006.

Lewis was diagnosed with a rare genetic condition called Leukodystrophy Krabbe aged just ten months and was cared for by Acorns Children’s Hospice before losing his battle with the illness.

Regular charity football matches and two trips to the summit of Ben Nevis have taken place since with thousands raised for the hospice, although dad Lee O’Neill told the Standard the group hoped to start helping local Redditch causes within the next year.

“We would like people to be able to see where their money is going and to be able to help residents, especially children, who are in need. If someone needs money for medical treatment or equipment we would like to be able to give them an amount which will really help them out.”

The team are also preparing for their summer events at Redditch United, with former Birmingham City footballers Geoff Horsfield and Michael Johnson set to visit the Valley Stadium on Friday, August 31, for the Night of Legends featuring a memorabilia auction. Tickets costing £8 will be available from Redditch United from Tuesday, July 31.

Then on Sunday, September 2, a host of celebrities will be vying for the Lewis O’Neill Charity Cup as the Team Lewis v Birmingham City All Stars match kicks off at 11am. Admission is £5 for adults and £3 for under 16s.

Visit www.teamlewis06.com, www.twitter.com/teamlewis06 or search Team Lewis on Facebook to find out more. Wristbands can be purchased online for £2.

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