Ex-Cat Danny on the ball with match to help boost charities
Former SAFC striker Danny Graham is set to be joined by other former and current stars from the club and world of football as part of a charity match event to raise money for two causes close to his heart.
Danny, 37, who played over 50 times for the Black Cats during two spells, is organising the game to raise vital funds for Cancer Research UK and Heel & Toe, a charity based in Chesterle-Street which provides a range of therapies for children with physical disabilities and in particular cerebral palsy.
Danny, who also had spells at Middlesbrough, Swansea, Watford and Blackburn, said: “I’ve been a patron for Heel & Toe for 13 years, since my Watford days. They’re a fantastic charity and I’ve done various fundraisers in the past to help buy new equipment and be able to expand and help more kids.
"It’s a cause close to my heart as I initially became involved as I have a family friend whose child has cerebral palsy. The progress they make with these children is phenomenal.”
Danny has decided to split the money raised with
Cancer Research UK after his own recent experience of the impact the disease can have on families.
The match will take place at South Shields FC’s 1st Cloud Arena on Saturday, May 20 at 3pm and will be a “real family” affair which will also include pre-match children’s coaching sessions, a chance to meet the players involved, raffle, and 360 photo booth to capture memories of the day.
As well as Danny, former England star Stewart Downing, who also played for Sunderland, and ex-NUFC player Wayne Routledge have already confirmed they will be playing and the former striker is waiting for definite confirmation from a whole host of other former teammates.
Danny said: “I’ve spoken with a few former SAFC players and I’m just waiting for them to confirm.
"I will be able to release the final list very soon. I just want to raise as much money as possible. I’m a North East lad myself and I know people in this region will pull together for two great causes.”
The match will also see Washington-based team Fast Feet PSG under 11s take part in a half-time penalty shoot-out against the South Shield’s FC keeper where they will also be joined by a surprise current first-team SAFC player.
The boys’ coach, Emma
Kirby, 25, said: “We are delighted to be involved and the boys are so excited to play their part in raising money for such a great cause.
"A lot of planning has
gone into the day and we can't wait to see it all come together.”
Tickets have been priced at £10 for adults and £5 for children with mascot and hospitality packages also
available to raise extra funds.
Helping to organise the match is Jody Graham, 41, from South Shields, whose son Max plays for the team.
Jody said: “It’s an amazing
cause and something the team will remember forever.”
Tickets are “due to be released soon” and will be available to purchase on the Heel and Toe events page.