For the third consecutive year, West Suffolk Hospital Charity is teaming up with Ipswich Town to give fans the chance to play against — or alongside — some of the Blues’ most famous names from the past with bidding for places now under way.
John Wark, Matt Holland and Kieron Dyer have lined up in past years to support the hospital’s Forget-Me-Not Dementia Campaign and co-beneficiary the Town Academy.
The trio of big names, and the likes of Russell Osman, Titus Bramble, Simon Milton and James Scowcroft, are all set to feature in the charity game on Sunday 17th April at Bury Town’s Ram Meadow.
From 9am this morning fans have all this week to place a silent bid for a spot in either the Forget-Me-Not FC or the ITFC Legends teams.
Sue Smith, fundraising manager for West Suffolk Hospital Charity, said: "The Ipswich Town match has become a popular fixture in the charity calendar, raising more than £9,000 for the two charities.
"This year, we wanted to give as many people as possible the chance to play in this special match — either with or against the Legends.
"Rather than the previous one-off entry fee, we are inviting football fans to make a sealed bid via an entry form on our website for the chance to play in this match and support West Suffolk Hospital Charity and ITFC Academy.”
Bidding starts at a minimum £100 for a place in the Forget-Me-Not FC side and £200 for the ITFC Legends with anyone interested invited to make their bid via an entry form on the charity website.
The deadline for bids is 5pm on Friday 4th March with winning bidders notified on Monday 7th March.
There are 17 spots in the Forget-Me-Not side up for grabs, including two goalkeeping places, and four places in the Legends squad.
The charity is also selling discounted tickets for the big game with savings on adult, child and family tickets available from a special Just Giving page. For more information on the match, email fundraising@wsh.nhs.uk.