Charity will be the winner as old boys line up

The game at Parkes Hall Social Club in Dudley is in honour of ex-Tividale player Leighton Hall and is the latest fund-raising brainchild of his one-time team-mate Paul Millard.

Former Willenhall, Tividale, Lye Town and Halesowen Harriers centre-half Millard started raising money six years ago when his close friend Hall was diagnosed with bowel cancer.

Since then the 43-year-old from Gornal has run 10 marathons and 48 half-marathons to help boost the charity’s coffers and is hoping Saturday’s match (3pm), which is followed by an evening event, will see him pass the £30,000 mark.

The day will also pack a punch with Rowley Regis’ WBC middleweight champion Jason Welborn popping along to show off his belt.

“Leighton is the reason why I started fund-raising six years ago,” said Millard.

“He was diagnosed with cancer and when I visited him in hospital he said he wanted to do something for the Bobby Moore charity.

“That’s when I stepped in and decided to help. I got in touch with Stephanie Moore, Bobby’s wife, and then entered the London marathon in 2013.

“Since then I have done the London marathon every year and the New York one in November.

“In all, I have done 10 full marathons and 48 half-marathons and with the fund-raiser on Saturday we will have raised about £30,000 for the Bobby Moore Fund.

“But you can’t keep asking people to sponsor you, so I have come up with this idea of having a match that sees a Bobby Moore Fund FC side take on a Leighton Hall XI.

“The sides will be made up of players I played with and against when I played non-league. The match will be played every year now for the Leighton Hall Memorial Cup.”

There will be some sharp-shooters on parade with prolific non-league goal-grabbers Lee Bullimore, Stuart Payne, Lee Booth all lining up.

Former Wolves and Walsall defender Chris Westwood, who was a close friend of Hall’s, will also turn out.

And Millard is hoping his side will be managed by Albion legend Bob Taylor.

“I have got to know Bob over the last few years and he has been great in helping raise money for the charity,” said Millard. “I am hoping he will be there on the day to manage my side.”

The clash has been sponsored by two companies, DJH Ironcraft and PEJ Construction, who have both donated £500 each, while Daneways Construction and Forest Heat have paid for the kits.

“Admission to the game is free, but we will be asking for donations, while the evening event, which includes live music and a disco is £6 a ticket,” added Millard.

“It will be great to see some old team-mates again and hopefully we can raise plenty of money for a good cause and honour Leighton.”

Tickets for the evening at Parkes Hall Social Club are still available. For details, contact Millard on 07900 806130.