Teenage Asfordby cancer patient inspires fundraiser with Leicester City FC legends

An Asfordby teenager who is suffering from cancer has been boosted by a charity football match which raised more than £7,000 for the hospital ward which is treating her.
Gerry Taggart and Steve Walsh lead the Leicester City FC legends  out with members of Asfordby FC juniors at the start of Sunday's charity match EMN-170613-180728001Gerry Taggart and Steve Walsh lead the Leicester City FC legends  out with members of Asfordby FC juniors at the start of Sunday's charity match EMN-170613-180728001
Gerry Taggart and Steve Walsh lead the Leicester City FC legends out with members of Asfordby FC juniors at the start of Sunday's charity match EMN-170613-180728001

Jessica Edwards (13) took a break from her intensive programme of chemotherapy to watch the well-attended game on Sunday at Asfordby Amateurs FC.

Legendary former Leicester City stars such as Steve Walsh, Muzzy Izzet and Gerry Taggert took part in the game, which was in aid of Ward 27 at Leicester Royal Infirmary.

Also taking part was Phillip Kruse, assistant head teacher at Jessica’s school, John Ferneley College in Melton.

Chris Edwards (front,centre) lines up with the players before the kick-off in a charity match at Asfordby organised to raise money for the cancer ward which is treating his daughter, Jessica EMN-170613-180654001Chris Edwards (front,centre) lines up with the players before the kick-off in a charity match at Asfordby organised to raise money for the cancer ward which is treating his daughter, Jessica EMN-170613-180654001
Chris Edwards (front,centre) lines up with the players before the kick-off in a charity match at Asfordby organised to raise money for the cancer ward which is treating his daughter, Jessica EMN-170613-180654001

Her dad, Chris, organised the game to thank hospital staff for the way they have treated his daughter.

Chris said afterwards: “Jessica had a great time.

“She wasn’t too comfortable being the centre of attention, but she enjoyed seeing people that she hadn’t seen for a long time and helping out with a few bits and pieces.

“She lasted until around 8pm and then flaked out.

The players greet each other before Sunday's charity match at Asfordby EMN-170613-180741001The players greet each other before Sunday's charity match at Asfordby EMN-170613-180741001
The players greet each other before Sunday's charity match at Asfordby EMN-170613-180741001

“She then had an MRI scan and was back in the LRI for chemo so it has been a busy week.”

The day, which also included family activities and a barbecue, raised £7,069, which Chris said everyone was ‘extremely delighted with’.

He said: “This particular ward has benefited Jessica immensely, not just with her cancer treatment but the way it’s set up and the way the team have handled her is perfect for her anxiety issues as well.

“We have so many, many reasons why we want to help them out financially.

Muzzy Izzet under pressure for Leicester City FC Legends against Asfordby Vets on Sunday EMN-170613-180716001Muzzy Izzet under pressure for Leicester City FC Legends against Asfordby Vets on Sunday EMN-170613-180716001
Muzzy Izzet under pressure for Leicester City FC Legends against Asfordby Vets on Sunday EMN-170613-180716001

“We can’t stop other kids developing cancer, but we can help make their journey through this dreadful illness that much more comfortable by having a facility like Ward 27 to care for them.”

Other City stars, who took on Asfordby Vets FC, included Julian Joachim, Julian Watts, Scott Oakes, Jon Stevenson, Scott Oakes and ex-Melton Town boss Tony Thorpe.

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