A SPECIAL football match was held at the 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 their final match on Saturday, in support of their friend’s son, Freddie Campbell, from Norton, who is undergoing treatment for acute lymphoblastic leukaemia.

James and Paul have raised thousands of pounds for various charities including L.I.A.M, set up in memory of Liam Miller, 4Louis, which supports bereaved parents, and the Tom Parsons Fund, over the past 10 years, but have now decided to retire due to family commitments.

Their final match, held at Norton College, included current and past players from Norton Utd, the Union and Royal Oak football teams.

James said: “It was an amazing day with so many people at the school and lots of children coming along to support us.

“We raised £600 for Candlelighters bringing the total raised by the Perm Cup to more than £40,000 for local charities.

“The one constant every year is the players who for more than 10 years have been fab. Thank you to everyone who has supported us and we retiring now due to both having young children.”

Zoe Campbell, Freddie’s mum, said: “It was an amazing day raising money for a fantastic cause. We would like to thank everyone involved especially James, Emma and Paul. We are very humbled and thankful to have the support of our local community.”

“Freddie had a great time and it was lovely to see him running around with all the other children. He seems to have energy at the moment so we are making the most of it enjoying some precious family time.”