A celebrity charity match in aid of the Rhys Jones Appeal will be held at Marine FC’s ground next month

Apr 9 2009 by Our Correspondent, Crosby Herald

TWO teams of football legends are set to lock horns at Marine FC next month in a bid to raise money for the Rhys Jones appeal.

Former Liverpool stars Jan Molby (pictured) and John Aldridge are set to star in a Merseyside Legends XI, who will pit their wits against a team of Marine legends at the Arriva Stadium. The match will kick off at 5pm on Bank Holiday Monday 4th May. Other big names include former reds Jason McAteer and Howard Gayle, with more stars from both Everton and Liverpool to be confirmed.

It has also been revealed that former Marine supremo Roly Howard will manage the Marine side on the day. Depending on availability, either Sammy Lee or Phil Thompson will manage the Merseyside team.

After the match, a fundraising dinner will take place in the clubhouse, featuring guest speaker Alan Kennedy and entertainer Willie Miller.

The idea was the brainchild of Arriva employee Tommy Gannon, who last year raised over £8000 by walking from the company’s headquarters in Sunderland to his local depot in Liverpool, to raise money for the Rhys Jones appeal – a journey of over 200 miles.

Tommy said: “The Rhys Jones appeal is all about putting something back into the community and all the money raised from this fantastic event will go towards supporting and developing junior football in Liverpool.

“Football is a team game and it’s been a real team effort by everyone involved, to help us organise everything so far. In particular I would like to thank the chairman and board of Marine FC and all my Arriva colleagues and managers, especially Alison Woodsworth and Hayley Blundell, for all their help and support,” Tommy added.

Marine FC Chairman Paul Leary, said: “This is a very special day for everyone involved in this event at Marine Football Club. I would like to thank the football legends for giving up their time to help us turn this fundraising idea into reality. This event continues the successful and long-standing partnership between Marine Football Club and the staff of Arriva in providing some real benefit for the community of Merseyside.”

Tickets for the match will be available on the gate and are priced at £3 for adults and just £1 for children. For further details please contact Tommy Gannon on 07748 359162.

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For further information please contact Nick Gordon, marketing and communications manager, Arriva North West and Wales, on 0151 522 2832 or 07795 440495. For media enquiries outside normal office hours, Arriva can be contacted via its media pager service on 0762 392 0615.