A celebrity football match raising funds for British Lung Foundation and Canterbury charity Focus United will take place at Ramsgate FC’s ground in July.
Confirmed names for the UK Three Lions side so far are songwriter and producer Zalon – who previously worked with Amy Winehouse- actor Jamie Chambers, former footballer Kerry Dixon, TV presenter Rob Lamarr, Big Brother winner Victor Ebuwa and the 3 lions manager will be Jimmy G Melville Garber.
The game as been organised by Focus United co-founder Chris Fallon. The 44-year-old has two particular reasons for raising the funds, firstly to support his work with marginalised youngsters to steer them away from chaotic lifestyles and secondly to help the British Lung Foundation after undergoing major lung surgery himself.
The dad-of-three said: “I run a community football project in Canterbury called Focus United. We work with a wide range of people in the community, under 16s all the way down to under10s.We work with marginalised individuals and also vulnerable adults.
“I am currently organising the celebrity charity game which will be played at Ramsgate stadium against the UK 3 lions on July 20th. The UK 3 Lions are made up of actors, performers, ex- professional footballers and reality TV stars.
“The reason I have organised this fantastic charity game, I recently underwent major lung surgery, I had half my lung removed February this year and my life was saved.
“I have always been involved in football and we decided to set up a community football project to give back to the community and raise awareness. We support low income families and work with local agencies to support others.
“My community project supports kids, marginalised youngsters, and we liaise with probation services working with young offenders and NHS Kent and Medway for health, football and fitness.”
The 44-year-old was diagnosed with emphysema and COPD when he was 32. He said: “They said I had three years to live because I was losing 10% per year and had 30% lung capacity.
“I went to the Royal Brompton and had five valves in the left lung but it started to fail after three years.
“I thought there were no options but they said they could remove half the lung in February this year and that was a success.”
A chat with a friend resulted in plans for the Three Lions fundraising match and a further conversation with Ramsgate FC chairman James Lawson secured the venue.
The match will take place on Saturday, July 20th. Doors open at 1pm with a 3pm kick off,
Tickets – £10 single, £15 family, £5 concessions- are available on the day or from www.bookitbee.com
Military and NHS discount available with ID.
Enquiries Chris Fallon at [email protected]
Leave a Reply