Football clubs unite to support Jamie Sheldon in cancer battle
STRATFORD Town’s 2015 play-off winning team will reunite to support former midfielder Jamie Sheldon in his battle against cancer.
Sheldon received the devastating news in November last year and he is currently undergoing chemotherapy treatment.
A number of his former clubs, including Town, Sutton Coldfield and Leamington have come together to raise money to help Sheldon and his family during his treatment and recovery.
Sutton will host a fixture, where their promotion-winning team of 2015 will take on Stratford’s class of 2015 on Sunday, 18th March (2pm).
Town club director, Andy Chilton, said: “Jamie was a great servant to this club. He scored 35 goals in 116 appearances including netting a hat-trick in six minutes in an unforgettable game against Histon.
“He’s a very popular player with his colleagues and the Town faithful and we’re looking to send the full side from the victorious play-off winning team, which was the pinnacle in the club’s history, to Sutton to support Jamie. We’re only too delighted help.
“We are planning to have a bucket collection at one of the next home games and also Jamie has set up a JustGiving page and I’m sure a lot of people are happy to contribute.”
Town boss, Carl Adams, added: “We really want to help Jamie out, as he’s recently bought a house.
“He’s a modest, down to earth lad, who loves his football and we are delighted to help.
“I hope to bring my full Stratford play-off winning side to Sutton in support of Jamie.”
Entry fee to the game is a donation to support Jamie and his family. Jamie’s JustGiving page is at www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/jamie-sheldon
Meanwhile, former Town striker Richard Gregory will run this year’s Simplyhealth Great Birmingham 10k run in aid of his former team-mate.
The 28-year-old is planning to raise at least £1,000 for Jamie and his family, with the total already standing at £800.
Gregory said: “I first met Sheldz when he came to Stratford Town for the 2013/14 season.
“He joined from Sutton Coldfield Town and we’ve been really close ever since.
“He was due to have his third cycle of chemotherapy and, honestly, I can’t believe how positive he is about it all. It’s madness.
“It has made me open my eyes massively, seeing Jamie and the people on the young persons’ ward.
“Jamie is the most humble and kind person I’ve ever met, a great footballer and a great lad.
“He’s an inspiration to me and many others already. I want to raise as much as I can for Jamie’s family, just to help out with any bills that need paying and stuff like that.
“I aim to raise at least £1,000 which will go to Jamie and his family, and also the Young Persons’ Unit at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital. It’s the least I can do.”
To donate, go to www.gofundme.com/my-10k-run-for-jamie-sheldon
