Charity football match will help Balderton woman make lasting memories

The community in Newark is gearing up for a charity football tournament to rally behind a woman facing formidable health challenges.

Organised by Matthew Ash, the annual event aims to provide financial assistance and fulfil the dream of Eloise Allsop from Balderton.

Matthew said he was inspired to raise cash by Eloise’s bravery. He is also organising a second match for Freya Birch from Grantham.

Eloise Allsop, 40, was given the devastating news that she has months to live after being diagnosed with terminal cancer.

A mother of children aged five, seven, 18, 19, and 22, Eloise and her husband Daniel are determined to live life to the full in the time they can.

The community has come together recently to ease the financial burdens her family faces during this challenging time with people raising thousands of pounds to help the family make lasting memories.

Matthew said: “Eloise is an incredibly brave lady.

“We really want to organise this tournament to try and help the financial burden for her and her husband.”

The first tournament, scheduled for June 22 at Newark Magnus Academy, aims to raise funds to support Eloise and her family. The second tournament, set for July 27, will focus on raising funds to fulfil Freya's dream.

Stall spaces are available for those wishing to sell products and contribute to the cause.

Eloise has been documenting her journey through cancer, including recently the loss of her hair and a subsequent decision to shave it off, and has thanked everyone for their generosity.

“It’s amazing and incredibly selfless that, out of all the families he could choose, he’s chosen mine,” she said.

“Newark has really been behind me to be fair, I can’t fault the town at all,” she added, noting how kind people had been, including even small actions like one lady paying for her eyebrows to get done.

Participants in the tournaments can join with a fee of £5 per player, with a maximum of eight players per team.

The format will be a 6-a-side tournament, promising an exciting display of footballing talent while supporting worthy causes.

Stallholders are invited to participate for £10 each, with a small raffle prize.. Stallholders are reminded to bring their own tables to the event.

Matthew expressed gratitude for the overwhelming support and stressed community involvement.

"These tournaments are not just about football; they are about coming together as a community to support our own during challenging times," he remarked.

Visit Twiggys Charity Events on Facebook for updates, links to event pages, and GoFundMe sites.

Sponsorship opportunities start from £50 per tournament, with recognition across multiple media platforms.