Charity match cash handed out

Buy photos » Carol English, from Redditch United's fund-raising team, Emma Fowler, Summer O'Grady, two, Robert Underwood, SADS UK, Aarron Byng, Redditch United's Sports Development Director and Wendy Stokes from the Primrose Hospice. Picture by Marcus Mingins. 4212009MMR.

A DISABLED toddler who needs a specially adapted pushchair was among the good causes to benefit from more than £6,000 raised by big-hearted football fans.

The family of two-year-old Summer O'Grady were presented with their share of the cash ahead of Redditch United's home clash with AFC Totton on Saturday (October 13). The money was raised from a charity game organised by the Reds between the club's under-21 side and a team of soapstars and held at their Valley Stadium ground in August.

Summer was just eight-months-old when she was diagnosed with cerebral palsy and had to undergo an operation to remove cataracts in both eyes. She has to have botox treatment to try and loosen muscles to enable her to stand and walk on her own.

Organiser Aarron Byng, sports development director at the club, said: "When we heard the story of Summer, it touched us all. We felt that by donating some of the money to her family it could really make a difference - helping to buy some of the things she so desperately needs."

Others benefiting from the match include Wish Upon A Smile, Primrose Hospice, SADS UK and Flying Start, which is Comic Relief’s charity.

Mr Byng added more matches were planned in future.

"The Soapstars really enjoyed it and have already asked if they can come back for another game next year," he said.

"We had all sorts of people coming along including loads of families and it was marvellous seeing such a spectrum of people down at the Valley.

"It would be good to stage one or two events each year. They are always well received and it gets the community involved in what is very much a community football club."

The Soapstars team included Adam Woodyatt, who plays Ian Beale in Eastenders, and other stars from Emmerdale and Hollyoaks and attracted about 1,500 people. An autographed shirt from the day is to be auctioned off at a future event to raise more money for charity.

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