Newcastle Benfield will hold a second event on Wednesday March 22 to help fund the Freeman Hospital’s fight against cancer.
Newcastle’s game against Sunderland RCA will be a free entry event, with a raffle being held and referee Lucy Oliver has already announced she will be donating her match fee to the cause.
The first event, a Durham Challenge cup fixture held between South Shields and Newcastle Benfield on February 8, led to much more than just a thrilling contest for spectators.
The two clubs and their supporters came together to aid the Freeman Hospital in High Heaton as the two teams raised £192 and the donation will go towards Cancer ward 34.
The cause was started at Newcastle Benfield after one of their players, Kieran Wrightson, was diagnosed with cancer. He has been staying at the Ward 12 weeks now.
The club urged fans to back the campaign. A club spokesperson said: “Everyone knows or has known someone who has been a victim of cancer so please attend and enjoy the game while supporting the ward and helping young victims.”
A raffle took place and the prize was donated by South Shields Football Club, whose spokesman said: “Newcastle Benfield deserve so much credit for the efforts they’re making towards Ward 34. When we heard their plans, we were more than happy to make the gesture to present them with a signed shirt as part of that.”
The game was won 2-1 by South Shields after the bar denied a Benfield penalty late in the second half and was the latest victory in their 17 match-winning run.
The club spokesman added: “We’re very happy that almost £200 was raised for such a worthy cause. We wish Newcastle Benfield all the best with their fundraising efforts and look forward to seeing them again later this month for our league fixture.”
The second game will be held at Sam Smith’s Park, Benfield Road, Newcastle, NE6 4NU.
Anyone who wishes to donate but can’t attend the game, can do their bit by sending a cheque to the address above, and if they wish to donate a prize for the raffle please message the club on Twitter @NcleBenfield