Reality TV vs Hucknall FC!

Hucknall’s own Apprentice star David Stevenson has organised the match with some of his famous showbiz pals to raise money for Meningitis UK after his father passed away from the disease.

Michael Stevenson died, aged only 59, at his home on Beauvale Road in February this year.

David, 26, said: “My dad loved football and I wanted to find a way to raise funds for the charity.

“Everyone in Hucknall used to know him. He grew up in Hucknall and lived there all his life.”

David’s dad attended Hucknall Grammar School and had been working in the finance department of Nottingham City Homes at the time of his death.

“I was in Birmingham when I received a call from his work colleagues to say that he hadn’t been in for two days,” said David. 
“My sister ran up to the house and saw that the key was inside.

“We had to kick the door down and we found him lying on the sofa.”

David’s dad knew nothing about his condition but had booked an appointment to see a doctor on the day David found him.

A coroner’s report three weeks later revealed the cause of death as meningitis, and David can’t help but wonder what might have happened if his dad had been seen sooner.

Characteristically, the energetic entrepreneur decided to make something positive happen.

“I am in the entertainment business so I thought I would put some entertainment on. Let’s put on something something people can enjoy - and make the tickets cheap. For me it’s about making people aware of meningitis.”

The celebrity squad features CBBC and Disney Channel presenter Frankie Vu, Liverpudlian boyband the Ryder Lads, as well as David’s own rivals from the Apprentice Gary Poulton, Scott Saunders and Natalie dean, and professional player Samantha Miller.

The match kicks off at Hucknall Town FC on Saturday July 30 at 3pm. Tickets are £2 for adults and £1 for concessions.