Ex-NCFC players return to the pitch for Charity Football Match in aid of Big C

Players including Grant Holt, Simeon Jackson, Cedric Anselin, Wes Hoolahan, Simon Lappin and Mike Milligan joined the squad on Saturday 18 May as the Big C XI took on Help Delete Cancer at Lowestoft Town FC.

The family-friendly football event sponsored by Nicholsons Solicitors and JDMA Paving & Landscaping, turned out to be a fantastic fundraiser for Big C as Norwich City legends took to the pitch and helped raise over £6,500.

Crowds gathered early at the gates of Lowestoft Town FC on Saturday morning, eager to get first glimpses of the Norwich City FC legends taking part in Big C’s Charity Football Match. Players and spectators took to the pitch before the match to enjoy a crossbar challenge, have their pictures taken and autographs signed. During half-time there was an exciting penalty shoot-out, face painting and more on-field fun for all ages.

A young person holding bang bang sticks at an event

The players walked out to roaring cheers and applause from fans who were excited to watch the Big C XI take on local charity Help Delete Cancer, whose players included NCFC women’s central midfielder Millie Daviss and King’s Lynn Town’s Holly Williams.

As part of the pre-match build up, both match mascots lined up in the tunnel and took to the field alongside the players. The Big C XI mascot was raffle winner Fletcher Ellis (11 years old) who said, “I’m a big Norwich City fan and try to attend matches when I can. I was so happy to have won the raffle to be the mascot and it was amazing to meet the NCFC legends on the day!”

Help Delete Cancer's squad lined up and smiling at the camera

Sponsors Nicholsons Solicitors also chose a match mascot, ten-year-old Sofia Honey Adcock. When Sofia was five, she was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia (ALL), a form of blood cancer.

She received chemotherapy for two and a half years and during this time Sofia and her family became aware of Help Delete Cancer, a charity whose aim it is to create smiles, memories and awareness. Sofia says, “Help Delete Cancer are really special to me. They helped us when times were tough and gave us a day to remember.”

A young person holding a football to the ground, smiling at the camera

After Help Delete Cancer took an early 2 goal lead, the game was eventually won by the Big C XI with a final score of 5-3.

A member of the Help Delete Cancer team said, “It was an event full of smiles, wishes, many goals scored, great atmosphere and a day to never forget for all involved. It truly wouldn’t have been the day it was without those who turned up, donated and made it a great spectacle in the community for a worthy cause.”

Rob Tiffen of Nicholsons Solicitors handed the Player of The Match award to Help Delete Cancer’s Josh McCammon. Rob said, “Everyone is affected by cancer at some point in their lives, whether they have it themselves or a loved one is diagnosed. The team here at Nicholsons have lost friends and family to cancer ourselves, and so we are grateful for the opportunity to help support the important and humbling work that local cancer charity Big C does right here in our region.”

Tom Holmes, Events and Engagement Manager at Big C said, “We couldn’t be more delighted with the support we received from all the players, partners and sponsors for this event in order to make it an unforgettable day. The sun was shining, the goals were flowing and the amount we raised from the event is incredible. Huge thanks to everyone involved and all the supporters who attended on Saturday!”

The football match was the second Big C event this year for ex-NCFC player Grant Holt who earlier this year walked an astounding 100 miles in 37 hours alongside participants from recruitment agency ARC, starting on Easter Monday at 5am and finishing late afternoon on Tuesday 2 April. Holt is also part of organising the upcoming Euros 2024 Norwich Fan Park and is earmarking the first Sunday of the fan zone to the closing of his 100 mile walk fundraising.