Leeds United fan's fundraising team to play All Star side to thank NHS

Darren Powell's team The Kews are set to play an All Star team in the match at Ossett United's Ingfield Stadium on Sunday September 27.

The All Star team will feature members of York-based indie rock band Skylights along with a string of former professional footballers.

Ex-players set to turn out for the game include former Leeds United goalkeeper Paddy Kenny and ex Huddersfield Town player Andy Holdsworth.

Also due to play are ex Bradford City player Tommy Harban and former Manchester City defender Lee Crooks.

They will be joined on the teamsheet by ex Doncaster Rovers striker Jason Price and Chet Johnson, a star of TV show Ex On The Beach.

Mr Powell of Kettlethorpe, Wakefield, travelled to the Whites’ home and away matches with Michael Kew, before he lost his cancer battle aged 40 in April 2015.

After his friend’s death, Mr Powell vowed to raise £100,000 for charities and good causes in Mr Kew’s memory.

So far he has raised more than £65,000 for a number of causes by organising charity football matches involving his team, The Kews.

Mr Powell, said: "We want to thank the NHS for all the hard work they have done during the Covid-19 pandemic.

"We all think they have done an amazing job and we want to raise some money for them."

Mr Powell said the The Kews have a new blue kit with the NHS logo on the back of the shirts.

He met members of the Skylights band when six players from The Kews appeared on Sky TV show Soccer AM earlier this year.

The fundraising match will kick off at 1pm on Sunday September 27 at Ossett United's Ingfield Stadium on Prospect Road, Ossett, Wakefield.

Entry on the gate will be £5 for adults and £2 for children.

Mr Powell said: "We are absolutely buzzing and can't wait to play and start raising money again."

A message from the Editor: Leeds has a fantastic story to tell - and the Yorkshire Evening Post has been rooted firmly at the heart of telling the stories of our city since 1890. We believe in ourselves and hope you believe in us too. We need your support to help ensure we can continue to be at the heart of life in Leeds.

Subscribe to our website and enjoy unlimited access to local news and information online and on our app. With a digital subscription, you can read more than 5 articles, see fewer ads, enjoy faster load times, and get access to exclusive newsletters and content. Click here to subscribe. For more details on our newspaper subscription offers click here.

Thank you

Laura Collins