The Bolton News and Bolton Wanderers team up to host charity football match

The Bolton News in partnership with the football team staged a charity match for Bolton Hospice.

The match raised more than  £6,000 for  Bolton Hospice.

Wanderers legend John McGinlay coachedthe teams in the run up to the match.

Readers were invited to be in with a chance of being part of the team.

After a full day’s workout, it was the away team made up of people from outside of Bolton that won the match 6-2.

John said: “With the hospice involved, it’s close to my heart and I am very lucky to volunteer once a week.

"The teams have been raising some fantastic funds while living out their dreams because we have a lot of Bolton fans here.

Bolton Wanderers Team

"I’m sure they’ve been excited for weeks leading up to this and then the day is here.

But John was not concerned with who won or lost, but with the good work being carried out to raise the money and how much fun everyone was having during the game.

He said: “It’s not about who is winning but about whether they are enjoying themselves and hopefully preventing any injuries.”

Bolton Hospice were given front row seats to watch the lads play it out as the mascots jumped around on the side-lines.

Interim manager at the hospice, Katheryn Willett said: “It was amazing to be chosen as the main charity to benefit from all the fundraising.

“We are very grateful to be a part of this day and are loving our time at the game.

“We must raise £4million a year so without the support of the community, we wouldn’t be able to reach that target.

“It’s also our 30th anniversary so what could be a better way to celebrate it?”

David Urmston, a crane operator loved kicking a ball around especially in front of his six-year-old Wanderers fanatic Elliot, who dreams of one day becoming captain for the team.

The youngster has bounds of energy as he watched his dad and played football with friends moments before the game was due to start.

Jack Donohue from Fairmount Recruitment said: “When I saw the ad to join, I signed us all up because I loved the idea.

“I raised over £1496 in total so far and it’s still going.”

Mark Fry from The Bolton News was ecstatic on how well they had done.

He said: "Personally I would like to thank the players who all came together for a great cause and there family and friends for their kind donations, the spectators who kindly donated over £200 on the day.

"To all the Bolton Wanderers staff for there help on the day to make it such a fantastic day and finally John McGinlay for giving up his time yesterday to manage the teams with David Mort."