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A charity football match organised by a radiographer at Great Western Hospital (GWH) Swindon will be presented by a premier league footballer.
Organised by Sam Perry-Smith, a qualified assistant practitioner training to be a radiographer at GWH NHS Foundation Trust, the winner of the match between GWH and Southmead Hospital will raise money for both hospitals’ chosen charity, Breast Cancer Now.
Taking place on Saturday 14 June at Highworth Football Club, the event will be presented by premier league footballer Charlie Austin, and will also include a barbecue and raffle.
Double header
Sam explained that he had been in conversation with a colleague at Southmead to organise the event. “It’s taken a lot of hard work and I received a lot of ‘no’s’, but persevered with it,” he said.
Sam contacted Paul Braithwaite, manager of a local football team, who “immediately jumped on board”.
“Since then slowly but surely the no’s turned to yeses and things progressed,” Sam added. “The match itself is going to be a double header, who will raise the most money for their chosen charity and who will win the match.”
Supporting those battling breast cancer
Colleagues of Sam’s at GWH chose Breast Cancer Now to raise money for after a colleague and close friend of the team lost their younger sister to the disease earlier this year.
He continued: “It seems really sad it’s taken a friend to lose a loved one to do something to raise awareness for the disease as it affects so many, however if our event contributes to assisting and supporting another person battling the disease and their family then we have done our job.
“It’s also a thank you to the staff that cared for, supported and looked after Lisa and her family, before and after her passing.”
‘May the best team win’
Katie Thompson, president elect of the SoR, said: “Sam has been amazing arranging this event which will raise money for a great cause, bringing together radiographers and their friends and families to both play and support this event.
“Taking part in sports, socialising and family time is an important part of our emotional and mental wellbeing. These events provide this and some healthy competition too. I can’t wait to cheer them on and may the best team win.”
Both teams will be fighting for the Nanogreen hospital cup, presented by ex-Southampton Burnley QPR and Swindon town striker Charlie Austin.
Alongside the barbecue, raffle and stall games, signed football shirts have been donated by clubs for the event. After the match, attendees will be able to bid on these shirts.
“Big thank you to Highworth town FC, Coat Stone Surfacing, Nanogreen, Advanced Printing Services, Southmead hospital, Charlie and Bianca Austin and everyone else that has helped with making it possible,” Sam added. “All in all hopefully it will be a successful day that will be the beginning of bigger events, where we can raise money for and benefit others in the process.”
Donations can be made online at the event’s Just Giving page here.
(Image: Great Western Hospital team in football kit, via Sam Perry-Smith)