GAME UNITES FOR HANNAH
CHORLEY striker Jack Sampson says an outpouring of love and support demonstrated last weekend shows the football community’s unique ability to unite when times are tough.
Normally firm Lancashire rivals, the Magpies and Southport joined forces last Saturday to turn their National League North clash into a charitable mission for Sampson’s wife Hannah.
The last few months have been extremely testing for the young couple after Hannah was diagnosed with triple negative breast cancer, and Sampson is determined to pass on their gratitude to everyone who came out in support.
“Our hearts are filled with warmth for a community that has shown the power of coming together with love and compassion,” he told The NLP.
“I’m overwhelmed by the efforts of so many individuals and groups. Knowing that so many people genuinely care has blown our minds!”
Both clubs held fundraising events in the lead up to the game and the Chorley Under 16 girls’ side truly went the extra mile, walking the 11 kilometres from Bolton Wanderers’ Toughsheet Stadium to The Magpies’ Victory Park home prior to kick off, alongside Sampson, Hannah’s parents Mandy and John, chairman Jamie Vermiglio and tireless organiser Craig Rivers.
The girls then put aside any thoughts of tired legs just 24 hours later to sweep aside Pendle Forest 6-1!
Ex-Non-League superstar Jamie Vardy, Manchester United and England defender Harry Maguire and former Tottenham striker Jermain Defoe have all donated match worn shirts to a charity auction in aid of Hannah, with the football world truly coming together for one of their own.
“I’d really like to thank the support from Craig and the girls football team,” added Sampson, the former Morecambe and Macclesfield Town forward. “Their charity walk, accompanied by the generosity of local pubs and restaurants providing refreshments, truly touched our hearts.
Awareness
“We’re also just so grateful to everyone who donated money, bought raffle tickets, donated items for the raffle and auction, and participated in the bidding process.
“Hannah hopes that the day has raised awareness about the importance of self-examinations. Breast cancer does not discriminate, and early detection can save lives.”
Football was certainly a secondary concern on the day, but the match itself was also befitting of the moving occasion.
Swapping their traditional black and white stripes for a shade of light pink, the Magpies were led out by Sampson last weekend in front of over 1,500 fans, many of whom also donned pink clothing in solidarity.
A second-half strike from Justin Johnson broke the deadlock before Sampson fired into the roof of the net to spark emotional scenes as Chorley doubled their advantage on the way to an eventual 3-0 win.
It was a fitting result – with Sampson keen to emphasise how important the club have been to him in recent weeks.
“None of this would have happened if it wasn’t for our chairman Jamie, captain Matt Urwin and teammate Billy Whitehouse,” he continued. “The support means so much to Hannah and myself.”
Donations can be made to the Helping Hannah Fund at - https://www.gofundme.com/f/xkzn6j-helping-hannah