Charity game to raise money for China challenge

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Photo: Laura Wild

The players surround Clair Booth (centre) before kick off

The friends and family of a Rochdale woman turned out in full force today (Saturday 21 August 2010) to help her raise much needed funds for the trip of a life time – by playing in a charity football match.

In October, Clair Booth, 25 from Milnrow will participate in an exhilarating five day challenge trekking the Great Wall of China.

Taking on this physically demanding journey Ms Booth will trek over 80km in the Women’s Leadership China Challenge.

To take part in the challenge Ms Booth must raise £3,500 with over half going to the Princes Trust – Ms Booth’s chosen charity.

With just seven weeks to go and still £1,300 to raise Ms Booth, with the help of family friend, Jimmy Wren, organised a charity football match.

Over 30 men of ages from 20 to 60 turned up for the match to show their support to Ms Booth.

Kick off was at 3.30 at the Astro Turf Pitch at St Mary’s School, Wood Street, Middleton. The side lines were filled with others keen to match the charity match.

The game featured Mr Wren’s Gardeners Arms team and the Old Fellas – a team made up of friends of Ms Booth’s father – a team she used to watch play 20 years ago.

“I am emotionally overwhelmed at how many people have turned up today,” said Ms Booth.

“I couldn’t have done any of this without Jimmy. I would like to thank Jimmy and Ruby (Wren), my mum and dad and of course everyone who has taken part.”

Over the past few months Ms Booth has held various charity events to raise the money she needs for the trip including a ladies salsa night, sponsored walks, cake sales, jewelry sales and more.

To get physically ready for the trip Ms Booth has increased her gym training and completes between 4 and 8 hours walking every Saturday and Sunday.

“Now I am starting to get my equipment I am really excited. It is starting to seem real – I can’t wait I think it will be brilliant,” she said.

Speaking about the fundraising events, including the football match Ms Booth said: “I never expected all the help and support I have received everyone has been great.”

The money raised from the football match will be pooled with money from a charity race night being held at the Gardeners Arms tonight to go towards Ms Booth’s charity fund.

Update: £500 was raised from the football game and the race night.