CELEBRITY sportsmen came together with the community to hold a charity cricket match in aid of Manchester Arena bombing victim Martin Hibbert.
Ex-footballer Kevin Davies and former cricketer Ronnie Irani captained opposing teams at the Edgworth Cricket Club event today organised by friends of the 41-year-old who was left paralysed from the stomach down after the blast on May 22.
Hundreds of spectators sampled the Prosecco and food on offer while they watched Kevin Davies’s All Stars take on Ronnie Irani’s Select 11.
Kevin said: “It is about the community and in times of need we all seem to just rally together.
“It is a strange old world we live in now and again. It is difficult being a father in slightly concerning times.
“But it is great to see everyone come out and support a great cause. A lot of people have been affected by what happened.
“We got the email to come and play and it was a no-brainer for me. We had to come along and support it.
“It is about trying to generate support. I know Martin is not here today but bearing the weather in mind I am sure he will be delighted with the turnout.
“Hopefully this raises some money for him and the people who have been affected by what has happened.”
Bolton Wanderers footballer Will Buckley allowed himself to be put in the stocks during the event.
He said: “The main thing is to come down and raise the money that needs to go towards the people who were involved in the horrific incident.
“Hopefully it has been a good cause and a good cricket match for everyone to enjoy.
“You can see how much fun everyone is having and it is for a great cause. It is good to see the youngsters playing football and everything.
“Even though it has been raining everyone has come out and they look like they are enjoying themselves.”
Mr Hibbert, who was too ill to attend the event, was just 10 metres away from the bomb.
An x-ray picture shows a metal item embedded in his spinal cord.
He is undergoing intensive physiotherapy treatment in Southport and has described the support he has received as ‘motivational’.
The fundraising campaign is aiming to raise money to support him.
A Justgiving page has been set up by friends to help the family at justgiving.com/crowdfunding/martinandevehibbert
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