VIDEO: Charity football match in memory of Mirfield babies

West Mills Playing Fields hosted a charity football match held in memory of two Mirfield children - Jack Saddington and Gracie Louise Kerr. John Bruce and Joe Green. (D554D335)

Nigel Saddington, of Battyeford Sporting Club, first organised a match last year to raise money for the Gracie Louise Kerr Meningitis Trust.

Little Gracie died from the disease in 2009, aged just two days.

Tragically, Mr Saddington and his wife Michelle’s son Jack was stillborn in June this year.

But he decided to press ahead with another match in memory of his son and Gracie on Sunday.

Teams from Battyeford Sport Club, including Gracie and Jack’s family and friends, played in the game which ended 7-3.

The event smashed last year’s £800 total, raising around £4,000.

The money will be split between the Meningitis Trust and Mr Saddington’s charity of choice, 4Louis.

The charity supports families suffering from the trauma of stillbirth or neonatal death, and provides memory boxes for parents to capture precious memories of their baby.

Mr Saddington, of Upper Hopton, said: “It wasn’t something we were expecting, but it was helpful to have something to take home.”

Gracie’s mum Kelsey Bruce, who now lives in Tingley, sold refreshments in the clubhouse.

She also organised a girls penalty shoot-out, which had around 50 participants.

“It was really good of Nigel to do it, especially with it being quite raw for him,” she said. “I think he did brilliantly.”

A raffle and auction was held after the match at the Airedale pub.

To donate to either charity follow the links below:

http://www.justgiving.com/Jack-Saddington

Visit www.meningitis-trusttributefunds.com and type Gracie Louise Kerr.