Rio Spurr: Ex-pros to feature in fundraising match at Bamber Bridge FC

Rio Spurr, the son of former Blackburn Rovers defender Tommy Spurr, was diagnosed with a rare kidney cancer last April and there have been a huge number of fundraising activities to help Rio with his treatment since.

Rio Spurr (Image: Chloe Spurr)

The next of those will take place this Sunday (April 30) as Bamber Bridge FC Vets return to the club’s Irongate home to take on a team of ex-professionals who once played for teams in and around Lancashire.

As well as including former Rovers left-back Tommy, the all-star XI will also include past Preston North End players such as Paul Gallagher, John Welsh and Tom Clarke, as well former Blackpool midfielder Richie Wellens.

READ MORE: Family of Tommy Spurr set new fundraising target for son's treatment

Also confirmed to be taking part are former Fleetwood Town manager and one-time England international Joey Barton, and ex-Rovers and Accrington Stanley striker Francis Jeffers.

Former Blackpool midfielder Richie Wellens is among the ex-professionals to be playing (Image: PA)

The Bamber Bridge Vets line-up will also include some of their familiar faces, such as club legends Alistair Waddecar and Chris Marlow, while current members of the coaching staff Neil Crowe, Stuart Barton and Chris Singleton will also take to the field.

Off-pitch entertainment will be provided by Preston singer/songwriter Connor Banks and there will be a bouncy castle for younger spectators.

The match will be held at Bamber Bridge FC's Irongate ground (Image: Chloe Spurr)

Admission is by donation and all proceeds from the event will go towards the ‘All for Rio’ fundraising campaign – which has a target of reaching £250,000 by the end of April.

Gates open at midday and kick-off is at 2pm.

To donate to the All for Rio campaign, click here for the GoFundMe page.