A charity football match to raise money for the victims of the Bosley disaster is to be held at Macclesfield Town’s Moss Ross ground this weekend.
A team of locals from the village will face a side of ex-professional footballers, including former Manchester City stars Paul Dickov and Shaun Goater.
It comes as the fund set up to raise money for the victims of the disaster passed the £100,000 barrier.
The match will kick off 2pm on Sunday, September 6 and the village team will feature mill workers Richard Wills and Edward Bailey, son of Dorothy Bailey, who died in the blasts.
Bosley United is made up of friends from the village who haven’t played together before but wanted to do something for those affected by the devastating explosion at the wood mill.
Darren Broomhead, from the team, said: “The fire ripped the heart out of our village and I’m so proud how everyone has come together. We’re delighted so many ex-players have agreed to play and we hope people turn out for a great afternoon. We have sold 1,000 tickets but can take 3,000 on the day so we hope everyone will get behind us and turn up on the day to watch the game. We want to fill the Moss Rose.”
The disaster in July killed mill workers Dorothy Bailey, Derek Moore and Will Barks while Jason Shingler is still missing.
The funeral for Mr Moore, from Stoke-on-Trent, took place yesterday (Tuesday, September 1).
Also taking part in the event are former England and QPR winger Trevor Sinclair, former City stars Rae Ingram and brothers Ian and David Brightwell. They will be joined by ex-Coronation Street actor Scott Wright and BBC Radio Manchester’s Mike Sweeney. Efe Sodje and John Askey of Macclesfield Town will also take part.
The game will be overseen by Premiership referee Phil Dowd and Mansfield Town goalkeeper Brian Jensen will also be involved. Gates will open at 12.30pm and entry is £5 for adults and free for children.
Money will go into the Bosley fund. The committee has handed out around £25,000, as a sum to each family and through applications.
Donate at gofundme.com or by post at Bosley Disaster Appeal, P.O. Box 645, Macclesfield, SK10 9LU. See fundraising events at helpbosley.co.uk
