Stars sign up for charity match in memory of little Sam who inspired his team of Superheroes
FRIENDS OF FIVE-YEAR-OLD WHO DIED FROM RARE BRAIN CONDITION WILL BE MASCOTS AT GAME
THE schoolfriends of five-year-old Sam Liew who died from a one in a million syndrome will be mascots at a charity football match being staged in his memory.
A host of former Burton Albion and Derby County and players will join ex-england Internationals at the match on Sunday – the day before the first anniversary of Sam’s death.
His friends from Silverhill Primary School, in Mickleover, will lead out the players at the charity game which will raise funds for the Burton Albion Community Trust (BACT) and Sam’s Superheroes, a charity set up in memory of their friend Sam.
Rams’ stars including Jake Buxton, Deon Burton, Lee Holmes and exengland internationals Darren Bent and Des Walker will take on former Premier League stars Jermaine Pennant, Darren Ambrose, Marlon Harewood, David Thompson and many more.
Before the match, which is being held at the Pirelli Stadium, the home of Burton Albion, there will be a family fun day with guests including Spiderman, Wonder Woman and Batman.
Burton Fire Service will bring an engine and aerial ladder, barring any emergencies, and there will be football activities, face painting, arts and crafts, magic and a petting zoo.
Sam’s mum Rachel Liew said: “Some of Sam’s friends will be representing him by walking out on to the pitch with the footballers and since it is his anniversary the next day it will be a very fitting tribute.
“Before the match we’ve organised an event that Sam would have loved with an arts and craft tent, footballing activities, a sweet stall and of course some superhero special guests.
“I’m very grateful to all the players for giving up their time and everyone working behind the scenes to organise the family fun day – it’s going to be a fantastic event. I hope that we get a really good turn-out, which will enable us to support more activities in our community.”
The fixture has been organised by former Rams player Pablo Mills and former Burton Albion players Aaron Webster and John Mcgrath, who is now first team manager at Mickleover FC.
Sam’s Superheroes funds and carries out emotional, well-being and therapeutic activities based around kindness and Sam’s love of animals, crafting, outdoors, music and nature.
BACT is the charitable arm of Burton Albion Football Club and aims to create healthier, happier and stronger Communities in East Staffordshire and surrounding areas.
It engages with more than 7,000 people per week to raise aspirations and improve physical and mental health in the local community, with ages ranging from four years to 80-plus.
Tickets for the pre-match fun day and the match cost £10 for adults and £1 for children and they are available to buy on the Burton Albion website or by calling 01283 565938.
For details on hospitality, sponsorship packages or more about supporting the event, contact rob.slater@burton albionfc.co.uk
To find out more about Sam’s Superheroes, visit the website Sam’s Superheroes (samssuperheroes.co.uk).