Together backing celebrity football match in schoolboy’s memory

Cheadle finance provider Together are sponsoring a celebrity football match in memory of a schoolboy who died from an asthma attack.

The game to honour the life of Isaac Maley, who lived in Bowdon, will be held at Altrincham FC on Sunday, April 24.

Isaac’s father Andrew, who played for Altrincham, will be joined on the pitch by a host of celebrities including former Manchester United and England captain Bryan Robson, former United defender Denis Irwin, and City striker Paul Dickov, as well as actor Ralf Little from The Royle Family, X Factor star Jake Quickenden and Cel Spellmen, of Radio 1 and CBBC fame.

Family friend Andrew Brannan, who has helped organise the event, said: “We’ve sold over 2,300 tickets already and with a stellar line-up of local celebrities it looks set to be a fantastic day.

“The support we’ve received from the community has been phenomenal and genuinely heartwarming.

“A host of local businesses have got involved, as well as sponsors JD Sports and Together.

“It’s a really special way for the family to celebrate Isaac’s life whilst also supporting Once Upon A Smile to help other bereaved families.”

A junior football match between Isaac’s team, Altrincham Tigers, and Bowdon Church of England Primary, where he was a pupil, will take place at 12pm before the celebrity football match, which kicks off at 2pm.

There will be entertainment for the whole family including raffles, a bouncy castle, and various stalls.

All money raised will go to Once Upon A Smile, a Manchester-based charity which helps families coping with bereavement and has supported Isaac’s family and friends after their tragic loss.

Tickets cost £2 for adults and £1 for children and can be purchased online or on the day at Altrincham’s Moss Lane ground.

Gates open at 11.30am with the raffle draws at 5pm.

For more details on the charity visit www.onceuponasmile.org.uk.