Two of British football’s biggest derbies will be played out in Rockingham next week to help raise funds for a seriously ill toddler.
Former Everton, Glasgow Rangers and England full-back Gary Stevens and his wife Louise were devastated recently when their three-year-old son Jack was disgnosed with juvenile myelomonocytic leukaemia (JMML), a rare form of leukaemia.
Jack and his two brothers Josh and Oliver are members of Rockingham City FC and club president Brian Kennedy and his committee have organised a fundraiser at SafeRad Stadium (Lark Hill Sportsplex) to help the youngster.
The evening will take place on Friday, 24 July and include two matches between rival sets of fans. The first will be a Glasgow derby between Celtic and Rangers supporters (6.30pm). This will be followed by a Merseyside derby involving Everton and Liverpool fans (7.45pm).
“But anyone can come down, register and get on the pitch, you don’t have to be a supporter of these teams,” Mr Kennedy said. “It’s all about coming down in your colours and raising funds to help wee Jack and the family.”
As well as the two games, there will be a Q&A session with the likes of former Perth Glory midfielder and current Academy technical director Steve McGarry; Sydney FC great Terry McFlynn, who is now Glory’s Academy and W-League manager; ex-Celtic and Glory defender Marc Anthony; and former Everton and Sheffield Wednesday skipper Mike Lyons.
There will also be an auction of memorabilia while all profits from the canteen and bar will go to Jack and his family.
A gofundme page has been set up by Gary’s sister-in-law Julie George to help the family. Anyone wishing to donate can do so here.
Anyone between 18 and 45 who would like to become a bone marrow donor to see if they are a match for Jack can visit the Australian Red Cross Lifeblood page here.
Admission to the fundraiser is $5, with gates opening at 5.30pm. If you are keen to play in the match or would like to donate goods for the auction, please contact Brian Kennedy on 0406 165 435.
Filed Under: Community News