Former Rovers star Colin Hendry joins charity match for arena bomb victim

Former professional football players Colin Hendry and Lee Camp dusted off their boots to take part in a charity match in memory of a victim of the Manchester arena bombing last weekend.

Ex-Rovers player Hendry and former Sunderland keeper Camp joined Team Geddes, as they took on Team Kiss in Sunday’s One Love fundraiser.

Michelle Kiss

The match was organised by Dylan Kiss, son of Whalley’s Michelle Kiss, who died in the 2017 terrorist attack, and his friend Sam Geddes, a golf professional.

Taking place on Sunday, August 28, at Clitheroe FC’s ground in Shawbridge Street, the match raised vital funds for North Care Charity (Salford Hospital) and Manchester Foundation Trust (Wythenshawe and Manchester Hospital), with 100 per cent of the money split evenly between the charities.

Sam, who is originally from Langho but now lives in London, said: “Sunday went absolutely brilliantly, it went just as planned and the whole day and night was perfect.

“We had around 400 people attend the match itself and around 500 people throughout the whole day and night.

“Our day was in memory of Michelle Kiss (Dylan’s mum), in aid of the 2017 Manchester attacks.”

In a poignant touch, both Dylan and Sam wore the number ‘2’ on the back of their shirts and when posing for a photo together, their corresponding shirt numbers read ‘22’, a nod to the 22 people who lost their lives in the 2017 bombing.

Sam added: “The game was brilliant, we had roll-on-roll off subs so everyone got game time.

“The first goal was scored by Nico of Team Kiss with a brilliant outside of the boot strike with his right foot, then James Billington of Team Geddes made it 1-1 with a header from Charlie Collinge’s free kick.

“The game went to penalties and ended up with Team Kiss winning 4-2."

Team Geddes

Following the match, an evening do was held at Clitheroe FC, featuring live entertainment, an auction and a raffle.

Sam, 24, and Dylan, 25, carried out the auction and raffle, before a night of dancing and celebrations.

Sam continued: “The day went absolutely amazing, it could not have been better.

“We had Loren Ripley from ‘Lo’s Little Touches’ with the balloon decoration which was incredible.

“Kurt Johnson was the DJ providing the evening entertainment and Julia Duffy provided a brilliant BBQ throughout the day.

“Clitheroe FC provided their facilities for our fundraiser and they did a great job on their side.

“We are yet to get all of the money in, but the total amount raised is between £7,000 and £8,000.”

Team Kiss

The football teams were made up of:

Team Geddes:

• Sam Geddes - Captain

• Lee Camp – Ex-professional keeper, played for Birmingham, Sunderland, QPR, Nottingham Forrest and Bournemouth.

• Charlie Lloyd

• Scott Wilson

• Lewis Parker

• James Billington – goalscorer

• Curt Garrett

• Finn Devenney

• Charlie Collinge

• Jordan Rawcliffe

• Jake Townsend

• Colin Hendry – ex-Dundee, Man City, Rangers, Coventry, Bolton, Preston, Blackpool player - best known for being part of the 1995 Blackburn Rovers Premier League winning team.

• Kit Lloyd

• Sam Lloyd

• Manager - Arron Ripley

Team Kiss:

• Dylan Kiss - Captain

• Callum Boyle

• Corey Cook

• Joel Phelps

• Ethan Leigh

• Ryan Cattermole

• Ryan Duffy

• Luke Thompson

• Mitch Mckenzie

• Dave Stafford

• Jacob Russell

• Cameron Smith

• Greame Price

• Nico – goalscorer

• Referee - Ian Walsh and his linesmen team

Previous fundraisers organised by the friends, hosted in 2018, 2019, and 2021, have raised more than £30,000 for the charities.