Hundreds turn out for Bosley charity match
HUNDREDS of fans turned out to cheer on footballers from Bosley as they took on a team of celebrities in a charity match a year on from the mill tragedy.
Four doves were released during the match at Macclesfield Town Football Club to represent the mill workers who died when the wood mill in Bosley exploded a year ago.
Claire Thorley and Rob Lowe who were injured in the blasts released the birds.
It was an emotional moment for friends and family of the victims who gathered at the Moss Rose stadium for the charity game.
Around 700 people attended to watch Bosley United play against the celebrities made up by the Once Upon A Smile charity including Jack McMullen of Waterloo Road, Danny Miller of Emmerdale and former Chelsea player Frank Sinclair.
Money from this year’s event will go to the emergency crews who responded to the disaster.
Derek Sidebotham, 58, managed the Bosley United side after being made coach at the first charity match last year which was held to raise money for the victims.
His son Gary, 31, played on the team this year, which lost 5-4 to the celebrities. Derek, who lives in Bosley and is married to Joan, said: “It was an emotional day and a day of remembrance as well as a thank you to air ambulance and search and rescue team. We thank Macclesfield Town which hosted the event. The lads played a great game and I was very proud.”
Money raised will go to Cheshire Fire and Rescue and the air ambulance services which attended after the explosion.
The ballboys were chil- dren from Bosley and around 30 children from the village came out onto the pitch with the two teams as mascots, including grandchildren of Dorothy Bailey, 62, who died in the explosion. The players included Dorothy’s son Ed Bailey.
The other victims were Derek Moore, William Barks and Jason Shingler.
Sylvia Jenkinson, Bosley parish councillor, who launched a fundraising appeal for the families affected by the explosion, said it was important to support the emergency services which helped after the explosion. She added; “There was a fantastic atmosphere at the game and it was exciting because the Bosley players did so well.
“It was an enjoyable afternoon and everybody really came together. Seeing the four doves set off to remember the victims was emotional for everyone.”