Family and celebrities unite for fifth annual memorial football match in memory of David Rudman
Mark Rudman holds his dad’s memory close to his heart. Each year since his beloved dad passed away, Mark has hosted a charity memorial football match in his memory. David Rudman passed away at Rotherham Hospital in 2020 following a short battle with liver and kidney failure.
The charity fundraiser, raising money for Rotherham Hospital and Community Charity, will take place at Staveley Stadium on 13 July. The memorial match is now a much-loved annual event which over the years has raised thousands of pounds for the charity in David’s memory.
This year, Mark has assembled a star-studded team including noughties R&B band The Big Brovaz, footballer David Bentley, radio DJ Ryan Swain and more. The celebrity team will take the field for an exciting match against the talented players from David Rudman FC to see who will claim victory.
Mark, of Wickersley, said: “My family wanted to honour my dad’s memory and to mark the anniversary of his death by doing something positive. We couldn’t think of a better way than a charity football match because my dad was a huge Rotherham United Football Club fan.
“We can’t wait for the David Rudman and celebrity teams to get together on match day. We have some brilliant players lined up and we are incredibly grateful to everyone who has signed up to take part so far.
“We’re hoping for pitch perfect weather and for a real festival spirit at the event! We’re planning lots of family friendly activities to keep everyone entertained, such as a face painter, children’s games, refreshments and a DJ.
“We’re looking forward to a great day out where we can all remember dad. If he could see what we’re planning he would love it, but he’d hate all the fuss!”
Mark added: “I’ve chosen to raise funds for my local NHS charity because the doctors and nurses who cared for my dad we’re amazing. We were devastated to lose him but he could not have been cared for better when it really mattered the most.
“The Rotherham NHS Foundation Trust has cared for me and my two daughters, Sophie and Mia, when they were born too so this is my way of saying thank you.”
The event is free to attend and kick-off will be at 2pm.
Rachael Dawes, Head of Fundraising for the charity, said: “The David Rudman Memorial Match is set to be a fantastic fundraising event! We are so thankful to Mark and his family who organise this annual event and raise money for a cause so close to their heart. Each year, the Memorial Match is such a heartfelt tribute to David, who was a passionate football fan.
“Every donation made to Rotherham Hospital and Community Charity helps us provide essential resources, projects and equipment that the NHS cannot fund, all of which directly benefits patients and their families in Rotherham.”
Everyone is welcome at this family friendly event. There will be a raffle on the night and lots of entertainment and fun to keep the kids entertained.