Celebrities kick off to help Cornwall hospice appeal

A HOST of stars will soon be coming to Cornwall to help Children's Hospice South West's appeal to build a children's hospice in the county.

A team of celebrities will be taking on a Cornish XI at Truro City Football Club on Sunday, September 27, in aid of the local cause.

Star names already announced include ex-England footballers Bryan Robson and Paul Merson, ex-Republic of Ireland player Keith O'Neill, 1997 world snooker champion Ken Doherty, Westlife heart throb Nicky Byrne, and former Wham! star Andrew Ridgeley.

They will be playing against a local team including players from Pirate FM, The West Briton, The Cornish Guardian, and Truro City FC, and you can be among local supporters cheering them on.

Keith O'Neill, who represented the Republic of Ireland during his career as a professional footballer and now lives in Cornwall, said: "As a parent the Precious Lives Appeal is very close to my heart and I'm delighted to be able to support the families who need a children's hospice in Cornwall by helping to organise the biggest celebrity football match Cornwall has ever seen."

Tickets at £12 seated, or £8 standing, are available now from the CHSW office in Truro or Strikers Bar at Truro City FC. As well as admission to the celebrity football match your ticket will also give you automatic entry into a draw for a fun half-time penalty shoot-out competition with a chance to win tickets to see Manchester United.

For an extra special experience, a limited number of VIP tickets are available at £50.

This will include a VIP seat to watch the match, a drink in the bar with the team, exclusive access to the VIP area to meet, greet, and take your picture with the stars, and the chance to get your hands on some great lots in a special celebrity auction.

The match is being kindly supported by Follett Stock and Air South West and all proceeds will go towards building a children's hospice – Little Habour – in Porthpean.

Emma Lloyd, Children's Hospice South West head of fund-raising (West) said: "From top class former professional footballers to popular boy band members there is something for everyone at this event and, if that weren't enough, we hope to be revealing some more celebrities over the coming weeks, so watch this space."

Nicky Bryne, who played as a goalkeeper for Leeds United for two years before joining boy band Westlife in 1997, said: "This is such a great idea and it will be good to put on my football boots again especially for such a fantastic cause.

"I hope lots of people come to cheer us on and help us support the building of a new children's hospice in Cornwall."

Gates open at 1pm, with pre-match entertainment by Pirate FM.

For tickets contact the CHSW office on 01872 261166, or call in at 8 Walsingham Place, Truro TR1 2RP between office hours (9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday).

Tickets will also be available to purchase in advance at Strikers Bar of Truro City Football Club.

Some standing only tickets may be available on the gate on the day, but at a cost of £10.