Posh legends roll back the years in Mick George Charity Match.
Former Peterborough United players Grant McCann, ‘King’ Ken Charlery, Marcus Ebdon, Mark Arber, Dave Farrell, Mark Tyler as well as former international Jack Collison grace the hallowed turf at the ABAX Stadium in the Mick George Charity match in aid of Sue Ryder Thorpe Hall Hospice.
The event which gave Posh supporters the opportunity to replicate their heroes, playing alongside former legends managed to raise a commendable £6,850.
A day that will live long in the memory of the 29 fans that participated in the fixture as well as the family and guests that came along to see their relations live out a dream. The excitement was clear to see from the moment the players arrived, walking through reception with an extra spring in the step, making their way to the designated changing rooms.
Greeted with their names in lights as the replica shirts hung around the dressing room, the players eagerly changed to get out on to the pitch to have a warm up alongside the professionals before regrouping for a team talk ahead of the customary handshakes that take place prior to kick-off.
A fantastic encounter that was contested in a light hearted, yet competitive manner witnessed numerous moments of class, highlighted by a 40 yard screamer from Ken Charlery. The legends set the scene with their quick feet, vision and ability to dance past the opposition as if they weren’t even there. The match finished 17 – 10 but most importantly was thoroughly enjoyed by all, serving a wonderful cause.
The day didn’t finish there. The players regrouped in a packed hospitality suite within the main stand post match, whereby the man of the match was presented with the match ball (Chris Porter) before the signed worn shirts of the professionals were raffled off to raise additional funds. A special addition was the auction of Jack Collison’s shirt and Mark Tyler’s gloves, again both worn and signed, which brought proceedings to a close.
Kate Bement, Corporate Partnerships at Sue Ryder said: ‘’Over the past year, Mick George Ltd has shown such valuable support raising incredible funds for Sue Ryder Thorpe Hall Hospice. Thank you to everyone at Mick George Ltd for organising such a fantastic event, to Peterborough United Football Club for being the perfect host and to everyone who took part on the day. Together everyone has helped to raise enough money to fund over 480 hours of incredible care to our patients."
Jon Stump, Finance Director at Mick George Ltd commented: ‘’As official shirt sponsors at Peterborough United, if we’re able to provide an opportunity for the clubs supporters to experience something such as this while raising a significant amount of money for a local charity then we’re always happy to oblige. It was a magnificent day, for which we’re grateful to all involved.’’