MORE than £600 was raised at a charity football match in memory of a mother-of-two.

Pleasley Stags Girls Football Club under-13s hosted the game – attended by more than 130 people – against West Bridgford Griffins under-13s girls at the Rotherham Road Recreation Ground, New Houghton.

The fixture was arranged by Amy and Jemma Page in memory of their mother, Jackie Page, who died suddenly in August 2015 following a heart attack at the age of 45.

A raffle, tombola, guess-the-name-of-the-bear competition, cake stalls and refreshments raised a total of £619.80.

All funds will be donated to Nottingham Hospitals Charity, which supports the Queen’s Medical Centre, Nottingham. Jackie spent nine days on the hospital’s intensive care unit before her family made the decision to turn her life support machine off.

Amy, 26, secretary of Pleasley Stags Girls, which was set up in July 2017, said: “The girls did us, our mother, the supporters and themselves proud. They battled like they had never battled before, resulting in a 6-0 win.

“The amount raised is overwhelming. We set ourselves a target of just £100 and it’s safe to say that we completely smashed it.

“We cannot thank everyone who made it possible enough — from hosting stalls, to baking cakes, to buying raffle tickets and even donating prizes.

“Setting up my own football club was something mum was really passionate about. She wanted to help me out and she was very keen about running the raffle and tea bar to raise extra funds so the girls could take part in further activities and, in turn, create lots of happy memories while growing up.”

The 14 Pleasley Stags Girls youngsters — ranging from age 11 to 13 — played in a special ‘in memory’ football kit on the day — a purple strip in Jackie’s favourite colour that was badged up with a photo of Jackie.

Jemma, 25, welfare officer at Pleasley Stags Girls, said: “The intensive care unit is a terrible place to be, a ward where no one ever wants to end up or be visiting, but the donations will help to make the lives of those families experiencing unbelievable grief that little bit easier.

“All the girls and parents know about mum and it is great to have their love.

“For my sister and I, each day is difficult but the football club has given us something to focus on and it was wonderful to celebrate her life surrounded by her friends, family and those who never got the chance to meet her but have taken her and us into their hearts.”

Naomi Walters, senior community fundraiser at Nottingham Hospitals Charity, said: “Since 2015, Amy and Jemma have completed a huge number of fundraising events in memory of Jackie — from abseiling down Lincoln Cathedral, to completing the Three Peaks Challenge and hosting a cat-grooming session.

“Their latest event is another wonderful way to honour Jackie’s memory and raise money for the adult intensive care unit in Nottingham.
“Their fundraising makes a huge difference to patients by providing specialist equipment, enhancements to the environment, additional services, and staff training and development.

“All of us at Nottingham Hospitals Charity are so grateful for their ongoing support.”

For more information on Pleasley Stags Girls FC, visit https://psgfc.wordpress.com For more details on Nottingham Hospitals Charity, visit www.nottinghamhospitalscharity.org.uk