A HOST of celebrities will be heading to Redditch for a charity football match in memory of a girl who died 13 days after being diagnosed with leukaemia.
The celebrity football match will be held at Redditch United FC on Sunday, July 20, with Eastenders stars Dean Gaffney, best known for his role as Robbie Jackson, and Jake Wood, known for portraying Max Branning, and Calum Best, reality TV star and son of George Best, among the many set to take part.
Sellebrity Soccer has raised over £1.6 million for different charities in the UK and says they are pleased to bring the huge celebrity charity match to Redditch United in memory of Lucie Southall, who died in 2013.
Lucie’s family, devastated by her loss, channelled their grief into something positive by starting a charity in her name.
Their mission is to raise money for the charities that supported them during Lucie’s fight.
Lucie Southall (Image: David Southall)
So far, they’ve raised more than £120,000 in Lucie’s honour and are committed to continuing their efforts to help other families in need.
David Southall, Lucie's cousin, who has helped organise the event, said: "She became ill and she passed away within 13 days. It was a very aggressive battle with leukaemia.
"This is why we choose Birmingham Children's Hospital and the Ronald McDonald charity.
"They cared for her at the hospital and housed Lucie's family whilst she was in there. She was 12 years old at the time.
"Lucie left this world far too soon, but her spirit lives on in every step we take toward this unforgettable day.
From day one, it was our dream to bring the stars to Redditch — and that's exactly what we’re doing".
The stars that are currently set to play in the charity match (subject to commitments) are Orson Nurse (Married at First Sight), Man Like Haks (Social media star/comedian), Dan Osborne (Ex Towie star, Social media star), Jay Kontzle (Emmerdale actor), Flintz (BGT finalist), Jake Wood - (Eastenders actor), Dean Gaffney (Eastenders actor), Adam Nightingale (Married at First Sight), Arthur Poremba (Married at First Sight), Sean Stone (Love Island), Reuben Collins (Love Island), Munveer (Love Island), Phil Turner (The Apprentice), Lee Hughes (Ex West Brom Striker), Cal the dragon (Social media star), Kieran Hayler (Social media star), Ryan Hughes (Married at First Sight), Joe Jackson (Actor), Nathan Campbell - Married at First Sight, Georges Berthonneau (Married at First Sight), Ricky Groves (Eastenders actor), Calum Best (Reality TV Star, son of George Best).
In addition to the football match, the event will feature, family-friendly activities, an open bar and opportunities to meet the stars in person. All funds raised will go directly to supporting Birmingham Children’s Hospital.
The family, born and raised in Redditch, hopes to connect as many local people as possible to raise awareness and support these noble causes.
Tickets are available via the Redditch United website.