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On the 8th October 2022, we are planning a fund raising event in the form of an 11 aside football match, in memory of Matt Cooke, for whom life became too difficult for on the 24th March 2022. Matt would have turned 39 on the 6th October 2022 and we all wish he was here to celebrate.

Matt was a devoted father of 4, (to Kiian, Charlie, Isabella and Lyla), a loving son to Tony and Jeanie, a loyal brother to Sarah and Laura, a supportive cousin, an inspiring uncle and also a dear friend to many.

The aim of our event is to raise awareness and support to Andy's Man Club. Andy's Man Club are a men’s suicide prevention charity, offering free-to-attend, peer-to-peer support groups across the United Kingdom and online. 

They strive to end the stigma surrounding men’s mental health and help men through the power of conversation.

Suicide is the largest killer of men under the age of 50 and on average, one male takes his own life every 2 hours in the United Kingdom. A frightening rate which are keen to help change in any way we can.

We are hosting a charity football match made up of players from Matt's family and friendship circles, which we are dubbing 'The Matt Cooke Charity Shield'. The game will be held at Woodhouse Football Club in Todmorden, who have kindly donated their facilities to help support our cause. 

There will be a bar at the pitch, providing alcoholic and soft drinks available for players and spectators alike, all to raise further money to the cause.

Following the game, there will be a disco and raffle at The Mill Venue in Walsden,  which has some fantastic prizes up for grabs, with all the proceeds made on tickets going directly to Andy's Man Club.

We hope that this event is a success and to be the first of many. Matt remains prevalent in the hearts of so many and we hope you join us in celebrating his life as often as possible.

Any donations towards Andy's Man Club and our cause would be greatly appreciated.

For further information on the event itself, please visit our Facebook page via the following link: https://facebook.com/CookeShield

We would also encourage you to visit www.andysmanclub.co.uk to read about our chosen charity's story.

Thank you.

#ItsOkToTalk