Celebrities Steal the Show at Charity Football Match

Date published: 01/11/2004

Many familiar faces altered their busy schedules on Sunday 31 October to play a charity football match against the Gem Appeal Charity Organisation at Castleton Gabriel’s Football Club, Rochdale. Hundreds gathered to see the last match of the season for the All Stars team, and managed to raise a hefty £2000 for the charity.

The star-studded match included Coronation Street stars Michael Le Vell who plays Kevin Webster, Alan Halsall who plays Tyrone, and Trevor Lynch who plays cab driver Patrick. If that wasn’t enough excitement, there were other surprise arrivals, including Nick Picard, Hollyoaks’ ‘heartthrob’ chef!

Rochdale Mayor Angela Coric blew the whistle at the 1.00pm kick off. She said, “It’s a wonderful event and for a very good cause, I’m happy to see such a turnout”.

The match ended with a score of 5-2 to All Stars, 3 of the winning goals were scored by Paul Dalglish, son of former Liverpool, Blackburn and Newcastle manager Kenny Dalglish. Coronation Street's Andy Halsall, and former Newport player Gary Lloyd scored the other two goals.

Andy Halsall who plays Tyrone said “It really has been a top match today, we’ve all enjoyed it. It’s for a good cause too so that makes it all the more worthwhile”.

Michael Le Vell better known as Kevin Webster, also thoroughly enjoyed the game. “It’s been a really fun day, everyone’s had a good time, I’m happy to win too!”

The Gem Appeal was extremely happy with the event. With almost 1000 visitors and hundreds of tickets sold, it didn’t matter to them who won the game. Karen from the GEM Appeal said “Everyone was clearly hoping for the All Stars to win the game, of course I was supporting the GEM appeal but I’m still very happy to see the day turn out so well”

New Look Windows Owner Mr. Lopacki presented the trophy to Michael Le Vell from the All Stars team at the end of the match. Both teams were in high spirits, especially with the amazing amount of money raised for the charity!

The GEM Appeal (Genetics, Enzymes, Metabolism) was launched in September 1994, and focuses on the research of rare life threatening genetic and metabolic disorders in children. The Trustees of the GEM Appeal were found from varying walks of life, mainly parents of children suffering from genetic disorders and health professionals working in the field of genetics. There has been a great amount of support to the GEM appeal with the football match, as people gave willingly to support the charity.

More details on the GEM Appeal are on the Rochdale Online webpage: www.rochdaleonline.co.uk/Community/Groups/groups_detail.asp?ID=44