Charity football match raises cash for Penmaenmawr kids

Oct 7 2008 By Michelle Coyle

YOUNGSTERS in Penmaenmawr rolled up their socks on Sunday for a special football tournament in aid of three special children.

The Smiles football tournament was arranged by Sue O’Reilly in order to bring smiles to William Mooney, five, Lowri Haf Roberts, two, and two-year-old Caine Lloyd Cooper.

Since Lowri was diagnosed as suffering from soft tissue cancer, she has been travelling to Alder Hey for chemotherapy. With funds raised by the football tournament, she hopes to have some toys to play with in her new garden.

William Mooney, who suffers from autism, is hoping for a special Thomas the Tank Engine bed. His grandmother Vivienne Mooney was overwhelmed by the public’s response to the campaign.

“It’s amazing how many people have come together to help,” she said.

Caine Lloyd Cooper suffers from global development delay and hypotonia. He is constantly undergoing treatment and is currently on a waiting list for a specialised buggy. Caine’s mother Jane said: “Sue has done wonders to raise money and we are all very grateful for all the effort she has put into the fun day.”

Sue, who runs Penn News in the village, said: “I was determined to do something to make these children smile. The day went extremely well and we are still counting the money raised. I would like to thank the young people of Pen who turned out to play on the day. They were all stars.”

Sue organised for Wrexham footballers Mike and Marc Williams and former Coronation Street actor Bruce Jones to support the young footballers.

Penmaenmawr’s policing team were keen to get on board too. PC Mike Smith nominated Sgt Tom Prytherch to raise sponsorship for the youngsters through running the Snowdonia Marathon on October 25 - though he has chickened out of the 26-mile run himself!

PC Smith said: “The fact there are three kids with illness touched a nerve with me. I felt it should be something the police should be involved with, especially as the whole village is behind it.”

See photos from the match in this Thursday's Weekly News.