A SPECIAL football match is being held this weekend to raise funds for the children’s cancer charity Candlelighters.

The Perm Cup, which is traditionally held at Christmas, is organised by James Milson and Paul Holder, known as Perm.

The pair decided to hold another match this weekend in support of their friend’s son, Freddie Campbell, from Norton, who is undergoing treatment for acute lymphoblastic leukaemia.

James said: “We were both at school with Freddie’s mum, so we wanted to do something to help. There will be a mixture of ages playing on Sunday from the very young to the not so young, followed by entertainment and a barbecue, donated by Foxes Butchers, at the Royal Oak in Malton.”

Freddie’s mum Zoe Campbell said the youngster had been diagnosed with leukaemia four days before his fifth birthday last November.

“He hadn’t shown any symptoms at all until he said his legs ached and he started limping,” she said. “I knew something wasn’t right and took him to the doctor and then on to Scarborough Hospital for blood tests.”

Freddie, who also lives with his dad Martin, sister Mia, 14 and brother Finn, eight, was later diagnosed with leukaemia and referred to Leeds Hospital for treatment.

“Freddie started chemo on his fifth birthday and is currently having intense treatment three times a week,” Zoe said.

“It has been an horrendous time as he is such an active little boy and this is robbing him of the chance to do things that he would normally do.

“Fortunately the treatment is working well at the moment and Freddie is being super brave and never complains. He continues to show spirit and strength and still has the ability to make us laugh and smile.”

The Perm Cup will be held at Norton College on Sunday, May 6, at 1pm. Raffle prizes.