Helping the people one game at a time

A charity football match to support families and children through bereavement is on the cards at Hyde United Football Club in June.

For the seventh year running, this game will see local football fans take on a celebrity team to raise as much as possible for Manchester based charity, Once Upon a Smile.

The organisation, founded in 2011 by Daniel Jillings and Danny Miller, provides emotional and practical support to bereaved families, after it became apparent that there was a lack of support for families after the death of a loved one, specifically a parent or a child.

Along with Once Upon a Smile, this event has been supported by the Riley and Radley Trophy who had been supporting the charity long before a family event changed their lives forever.

When Paul Hughes’ niece went into labour at 22 weeks, she soon gave birth to twin boys, Riley and Radley. Riley sadly passed away a few hours after birth and Radley passed away a few days later.

“Both of the boys showed fight in the short time they were here, and we will never forget how beautiful they were.

“They were both loved from the moment my niece found out she was pregnant, and they will never be forgotten.

“We decided to name the football trophy after Riley and Radley and hold the annual football fundraiser in memory of them both, raising money for the amazing charity Once Upon a Smile,” he says.

The work of Once Upon a Time is monumental in supporting so many through the devastating aftermath of losing a loved one and events such as this enable them to continue with their excellent support.

Being the only bereavement charity in the UK to offer a variety of support to families in such a difficult time, the establishment need funding more than ever, especially after a year of restrictions in 2020 halted any fundraising events.

This year’s event is set to take place at Ewen Fields on 19 June with kick off from 3pm. Manchester based team Salford Saxons will take on the Once Upon a Smile celebrities, having a fun kick about while also bringing attention to a highly commendable cause.

With a limited number of tickets available, people interested are encouraged to book ahead to avoid disappointment.

The game will be an inspirational event for all, bringing smiles to the faces of those who attend, whilst ultimately fixing the smiles of those who need it most.  

Tickets can be purchased here

More information on the wonderful Once Upon a Smile can be found here

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