A RAWDON family of fundraisers are hosting their seventh football match in a bid to raise money for Cancer Research UK.

Bob and Nicola Nightingale along with their sons, Lewis, James and Oliver, of Layton Park Drive will hold the match on Saturday, May 13.

Lewis, who is head of foundation phase coaching at Bradford City, originally decided to organise the event following the loss of his grandad Malcolm Green to cancer in 2010. Since then it has become an annual event in memory of Malcolm and other family and friends who have suffered similar losses.

Bob said: "We were so overwhelmed by the support of the local community, friends and family when we held the first game in 2011 that we felt we just had to keep it going, and incredibly this will be our 7th year.

"All the players pay to take part and donate further through their own sponsorship. Entry is free, refreshments are available and local businesses generously donate some great prizes that are raffled on the day. This year’s game will feature sides selected by Lewis, James and Oliver and will include players from Farsley Celtic, Guiseley AFC, other non-league clubs as well as Rawdon Old Boys.

"It’s so motivating to know that the money we raise will be helping Cancer Research UK to bring forward the day when all cancers are cured.”

The family are hoping to raise around £1,000 for life-saving research to help more men, women and children in Yorkshire and across the UK survive the disease. The match will take place at Hanson Field, Billing View, Rawdon, LS19 6PR, home of Rawdon Old Boys FC. Local people can sponsor the fundraising efforts at www.justgiving.com/fundraising/Lewis-Nightingale1.

Sarah Mattison, Cancer Research UK’s local fundraising manager for Leeds, said: "We are absolutely delighted that The Nightingale family have decided to host the football fundraiser again to raise vital funds for Cancer Research UK.

"They have been doing lots of preparation and we’re sure the event is going to be fantastic. We can’t thank the family enough for their support and want to wish them the very best on the day."

She added: "Cancer Research UK has made enormous progress in the fight against cancer. However, we have only been able to do this thanks to the dedication and commitment of our volunteers and supporters without whom we would not be able to fund our research."

For further information about Cancer Research UK’s work or to find out how to support the charity, call 0300 123 1022 or visit cruk.org.