You may remember our poignant story about David Levett, and his sad passing shortly after our pre-match friendly on August 3rd 2024 with the Arsenal U18s squad – at the time, managed by Jack Wilshere.
We covered the kindness Arsenal FC had shown to David at the match, and their intentions after David’s passing to share a letter of condolence to Roger (David’s son) and the family. Arsenal were true to their word; however this was only the start of things to follow.
A signed letter from Mikel Arteta did arrive, accompanied by an obituary within a personalised matchday programme for the Arsenal vs Liverpool Premier League Match (played on October 27th, 2024). A short time later, having learnt Hitchin Town FC had offered Top Field for a fundraiser in aid of the Garden House Hospice, Arsenal FC donated a box full of items as their contribution to the event. These items included a signed Arsenal FC first team shirt, signed photographs from Arsenal legends David Seaman and Jack Wilshere – along with a signed Fulham first team shirt knowing that David also had an affiliation being with Fulham in the 1950s.
As an incredible personal touch – the staff also organised the Arsenal U18s players from our match on 3rd August to also sign a shirt, and gift this to the family. This will be the only item kept for the family, with all other items offered as Raffle prizes in the accompanying raffle (details below).
We are also delighted to confirm, Arsenal and England legend Jack Wilshere has himself offered to play in the Charity Match. The then Arsenal U18 Manager and now first team Coach at Norwich City delighted us at Hitchin Town FC to confirm the news in late February, and we will warmly welcome Jack back to Top Field – adding yet another level of kindness in supporting the charitable ambitions of the event.
Kick-off for the match will be at 1.30pm, on Sunday 6th April, with the DJ-John Lock kick-starting the event with high-energy music from 12.45pm, and live commentary from local celebrities Mark O’Sullivan and Anna Morris – undoubtedly matching the fun on the pitch. The raffle closes before the end of the match, with prizes drawn immediately thereafter.
There is no entrance fee, we only politely invite those attending to purchase raffle tickets to help support the fundraising efforts for the Garden House Hospice.
Please do come along, bring friends family to share in what promises to be a light-hearted, fun family afternoon – paying testament to the kindness that sits in our sport, our community and our club.
Raffle tickets are just £1 each, free additional tickets for bundles of 10+, just scan the below QR code, or visithttps://raffall.com/379154/enter-raffle-to-win-from-multiple-great-prizes-hosted-by-roger-levett
BY ROGER LEVETT