Charity football day to raise money for Hastings boy with cancer

James Wood was diagnosed in May this year and is currently receiving treatment and chemotherapy at The Royal Marsden Hospital

From 9am on Saturday, Hastings United Youth and Hastings Wanderers FC will host football matches for different age groups, and a parents match, at Sandhurst Playing Fields, on The Ridge.

The event, organised by Chris Fountain and Matt Walbrin, will have strict Covid-19 restrictions in place.

Matt, who is also James' coach, said: “James joined our club at Hastings United youth and was a big character right from the beginning.

"James is a big player for us and is missed by everyone at the club. James is always smiling and even when he got diagnosed he hasn’t let it beat him or get him down.

To be told you have cancer at any age must be devastating. But he’s always kept his smile and is fighting it 100 per cent. James is a massive inspiration to everyone.

"We as a club wanted to do this for James to show our support not just for him but for his family too.

"We have raised some money for The Royal Marsden Hospital in London, where James is currently being treated, by shaving my hair off with James followed by Stamford Welch and Luke Walker Foley from his team to show support.

"There has also been overwhelming support from Hastings Wanderers FC where James played before joining us.”

James' mum and Jenny and dad Dan said they have been overwhelmed by the support they have received.

Jenny added: “James enjoys playing football for his team Hastings United youth and playing Fifa and Fortnite on his PlayStation.

"Throughout it all, he has not once complained or got upset about his diagnosis, he has faced this head on and with amazing resilience.

"His football team and friends have been amazingly supportive. Even two of his friends and football coach shaved their heads in solidarity when James started to lose his hair. He took control of that situation too, and decided to shave his head as his hair began to fall out. He is our hero."

Rainbows Wholesale and Food Clearance, based in Silverhill, have also donated refreshments for Saturday.

Rainbows Manager Carrie-Ann said: “Here at Rainbows we love to help the local community and what better way than to support this fantastic cause and give our full support to James and his family during this extremely tough time.

"We are proud and honoured to be involved in such a charity event and we look forward to seeing everyone there.”

A fundraising page was set for the family to support them during this tough time. Click here for more.