HOLLYOAKS stars will go head-to-head with football legends in a charity match on Sunday 19 August.

The friendly match will see experienced players compete against a more youthful side at AFC Darwen in Anchor Road, Darwen.

Organiser Tony Cartwright, who has run similar events for 27 years for various good causes, has chosen East Lancashire Hospice and St Catherine’s Hospice as his chosen charities on the

day.

The fundraising for hospices was kick started five years ago after Tony’s sister Tracy Brown was cared for in a hospice in Somerset where she lived.

The father-of-three said: “A hospice is such an important part of a patient and a family life and before my sister was ill I was very ignorant to what they did.

“The care they gave was tremendous, not just to the patient, but to the whole family. People don’t know how invaluable hospices are until they need them.”

Tony, who lives in Wheelton, decided to split the proceeds between the football club where the game is hosted, and his two nearest hospices.

Stars including Blackburn Rovers legend Colin Hendry and Accrington Stanley star Brett Ormerod, will play against the cast from Hollyoaks. Stephen Lowe from BBC Radio Lancashire will be providing commentary

on the day, while fellow BBC Radio Lancashire presenter Graham Liver will be taking part.

Tony, who is helped by wife Cynthia, daughter Stephanie and grandson William, is hoping for a good turn out on the day. He believes he has helped to raise over £280,000 for various good

causes over the last 27 years.

He said: “There are always plenty of

opportunities to meet some local stars and it’s always a very entertaining game. Without events like these to help raise money, the hospices wouldn’t exist. I didn’t realise how heavily hospice’s rely on donations.

“I won’t ever be able to repay what they have done for my family. I strongly believe that everyone should support a cause close to their heart.”

Kick-off is at 3pm on Sunday 19 August and tickets are £5 for adults, £3 for children or £14 for families. They are available from the club or Gobins butchers on Chorley market. Proceeds

will be split between East Lancashire Hospice, St Catherine’s Hospice and AFC Darwen.