Top football stars past and present are backing a charitable foundation set up to remember soccer-mad Craig Brook.
Craig, 31, of Dalton, – nicknamed Brooky – collapsed and died two years ago after playing five-a-side football. He had an undiagnosed heart condition.
On Saturday a second annual Celebration Day will be held in memory of Craig.
It will raise money for the new Craig Brook Sports Foundation which aims to buy kit and equipment for grassroots sports clubs, particularly for children and young people.
The Celebration Day has the support of former Bolton Wanderers star Fabrice Muamba, who almost died on the pitch in March 2012 when he collapsed after a heart attack.
Muamba, now retired from professional football, has sent a signed shirt for auction and other top names have contributed too.
Craig’s brother Andy, 43, met Manchester United and England ace Tom Cleverley in Bradford on Saturday and got him to sign a shirt too.
The foundation has also had a football shirt made up, complete with the Brooky logo, and that has been signed by Manchester United legend Paul Scholes.
Last year’s Celebration Day was attended by 400 people and 4,000 was raised for the Oliver Field Appeal and Kirkwood Hospice.
This year’s fun-day, at the Bradley Mills Cricket and Bowling Club, behind the Dulux Centre off Leeds Road, near the John Smith’s Stadium, runs from 1pm to 9pm.
The shirts and other memorabilia, including signed gloves from Town keeper Alex Smithies, will be auctioned between 4.30pm and 5.30pm, around the time Town’s home game against QPR is due to finish.
Andy said the foundation had received a great deal of support and added: “It’s all about celebrating Craig’s life and raising money in his memory.
“Craig loved his sport and would be very proud to see his name on a kit helping young people. Kids are the future and we must keep them involved in sport.”
At the Celebration Day a football match will kick off at 2pm and there will be a bouncy castle and children’s entertainment.
Live bands will perform from 5pm. Entry is £3 for adults and £1 for children.
