Footballers hope to smash their £30K fundraising target after a charity football match in memory of legendary Wallingford Town player and manager, Charlie Allum.
On Saturday, a tenth anniversary charity football match in memory of the iconic Wallingford Town Football Club player and manager, Charlie Allum was held at Cholsey Recreation Ground, Station Road.
The veterans match, open to over 35’s only, saw loyal, regular Memorial Day player, Carl Fisher take charge of one team, and current trophy holder, Ronnie Williams, competing against him. Around 30 players competed in the planned 11 a side game.
Chris Allum, Charlie’s football-loving son, Chairman of Cholsey United Football Club and passionate charity fundraiser said: “My dad lost a bravely fought battle against a rare liver cancer, cholangiocarcinoma, on June 12, 2011, so it is the ten-year anniversary since his passing, and his memory and legacy continue to burn stronger than ever, even during these challenging times.
"It is because of this that we wanted to organise a low-key but nevertheless special commemorative event for him. We hope the annual Charlie Allum Memorial Day, which has grown in size and popularity since it first began in 2011, will return in full force in 2022, bigger and better than ever, a summer ‘diary date’ for everyone in the Wallingford area.”
Mr Allum has not been alone in his commitment to commemorating his father’s passion for football and to raising awareness for the world’s second most common primary liver cancer, cholangiocarcinoma (bile duct cancer).
Ever since his father's passing, aged just 55, his brother Andy and sister Nicola along with his loyal supporters have been on a mission to raise funds to research the ruthless cancer. As well as organising the Annual Memorial Day, Mr Allum has competed in two London Marathons and three half marathons during 2017 alongside his brother Andy, and Nicola has completed a 'slimathon'.
Helen Morement, CEO of cancer charity AMMF, said: “Having incredible, inspirational fundraisers like Chris Allum and his family and friends, means AMMF can continue to invest in potentially lifesaving cholangiocarcinoma research. AMMF’s aims are to raise the awareness of cholangiocarcinoma, to encourage and support research and to provide reliable information to those who need it, and we rely on the support of loyal fundraisers like Chris to enable us to achieve these aims.”
The footballers have raised more than £24,000 online and would like to reach £30K this month. The football event raised £1063.80 and all the proceeds will be going to AMMF.
To help the group reach their target visit: justgiving.com/fundraising/chris-allum
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