Memorial football match raises £3,500

Emotional tribute to David Rudman celebrated by hundreds

Author: Molly Jones Coffey

Hundreds of well wishers attended a community fun day at Rotherham's Phoenix Sports and Social Club to raise funds in memory of David Rudman.

An array of activities and games helped raise funds in honor of David, who sadly passed away in 2020.

His son, Mark Rudman along with support from his friends and family, organised the event to raise funds for Cash for Kids and Rotherham Hospital Charity to create a legacy for David.

The pinnacle of the family fun day was a 11-a-side football match featuring Mark's new team, David Rudman FC who faced the mighty challenge from established side Supporting Charities FC, a team that features a number of celebrities including James Hooton, who plays Sam Dingle on hit ITV soap, Emmerdale.

A thoroughly entertaining match ended 5-2 to Supporting Charities FC and medals were presented to all players at the end of the match.

Mark has just announced that over £3,500 has been raised so far and has plans to host another event in 2022.

Mark said: "My ambition was to raise £1,000 in memory of my dad and support the fantastic work of two local amazing charities and I still can't believe we've managed to raise over £3,500.

"I am completely blown away by the love and support from my family, who have been by my side for the last six months of organising the event and I would like to extend my thanks to all my friends, local businesses and the community who came out to support to make the event an overriding success."

A gallery of photos from the event are available to view and purchase from the Team Reflector Facebook page

If you want to organise a fundraising event to support the work of Cash for Kids, please email cashforkids@hallamfm.co.uk or call 0114 209 1100.