Their upcoming Wessex Division 1 league fixture on Friday, October 4, at Whitchurch United’s Longmeadow Sports Centre, will be turned into a fundraising event for Parkinson’s UK, after news of a Parkinson’s case within Romsey Town FC’s committee.
Dom, a committee member and often head chef on matchday, has Parkinson’s and the club are doing various things to support him and the charity.
On Sunday, September 29, around 40 people including players, staff, committee members and friends and family did a 12-mile walk from Stockbridge to Romsey along the Test Way.
It was a great day and just over £1,500 has been raised so far.
Now, both Romsey and Whitchurch have decided to make their league match more than just a game as they aim to raise awareness for the condition and raise funds for Parkinson’s UK through an optional contribution at the gate.
Last season, the teams delivered a string of thrilling matches – a 6-2 Romsey win at home in the league, a narrow 0-1 away victory for Romsey in Whitchurch in the North Hants Senior Cup, and a dramatic 4-3 Whitchurch win in the league.
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Whitchurch United’s Club president, Gary Shaughnessy, has been living with Parkinson’s for several years.
A dedicated fundraiser for the cause, Mr Shaunessey has already raised thousands through various initiatives, including a recent charity golf day that brought in £1,115.
“We have moved the Saturday game to a Friday night to try maximise our attendance,” said Matt Snelling, chairman of Whitchurch United FC.
“But this fixture has always had entertainment as you can see from the latest results. So will be great to have as many people down supporting both teams and more importantly the charity. We’d ask for an optional donation at the gate with the concession.”
The kickoff is at 7.45pm.