Football match nets charity success

The highly anticipated annual fixture saw Team Wallis and Team Wulfrun go head‑to‑head, captained by two well‑known Wolves figures – former club captain and EFL Championship winner Karl Henry, and former Wolves Academy star Zeli Ismail. The squads featured a host of local names including Alex Henry, Andy Pearce, Ben Bailey, Brandon Bethell, Cory McClane, Dom Dell, Harry Lowbridge, Idris Virgo, Inside The Baller, Jon Flatt, Kirstie Bavington, Kyle Perry, Man Like Mikey, Marcus Portman and Reepa.

Managed by Wolves legend and League Cup winner Mel Eves, Team Wulfrun lifted the trophy after a thrilling 3 – 3 draw led to a tense penalty shootout. Goals for Team Wallis came from Kyle Price, Brandon Bethell and Liam Hailey, while Team Wulfrun’s Dom Dell and BarberCharl found the net. The match was ultimately decided when Liam Berry narrowly missed the final penalty.

Event organiser Robbie Meakin explained why he chose the two charities.

He said: “Some people will know the reason why I chose Your RWTC and Living With and Beyond Cancer as the beneficiaries of this year’s charity match.

“To those that don’t, I was diagnosed with stage 4 cancer last April and I’m doing what I can to give back. I’d supported Your RWTC before my diagnosis, helping raise money for the revamp of the children’s ward garden, but supporting now means more than ever. I worked my back side off to make the day what it was and to see how much was raised in the end and knowing what difference it makes is incredible. I want to thank my amazing wife Lauren for her continued support and being my absolute rock, everybody that played in the match, everybody that bought a ticket, everybody that shared the link online and all the sponsors. I couldn’t do it without you.

“I’d also like to thank BBC WM, the Express & Star and WCR FM for helping promote the day, and Cory McClane for assisting with the promotion push. Now Lauren and I are back from our well‑deserved holiday, it’s time to get the ball rolling on next year’s charity match – and I’m hoping for even bigger and better.”

Match officials Dale Holloway, Jake Jones, Lucas Sharma and Alex Gripton ensured the game was played in great spirit throughout and sponsors were Hindley Contractors Ltd, The Greyhound at Lower Penn, R G Wilbrey Consultants, Bond Wolfe and Initial Fire & Electrical Ltd. Families enjoyed entertainment from Children’s Party Time, while refreshments were provided by Wulfs Fittle, Mrs B’s Kitchen and Scott Whippy.

Amanda Winwood, Charity Development Manager for Your RWTC, said

“This event was a brilliant celebration of community spirit and generosity. The passion on the pitch and the support from the sidelines were incredible to see. Every pound raised helps us continue providing meaningful support to patients, families and staff across RWT. We’re so grateful to Robbie and everyone involved for making this year’s match such a success.”

Joanne O’Sullivan, Living With and Beyond Cancer Support Manager for Macmillan, added

“The atmosphere on the day was truly inspiring. Knowing that the funds raised will directly support people living with and beyond cancer makes every effort worthwhile. We’re deeply thankful to Robbie, the players, sponsors and everyone who came along to show their support.”