Stars set to line up for charity match in honour of Chesterfield legend Ernie Moss

The match, which will take place at the Proact Stadium on Sunday, May 22 (3pm), will see Ernie Moss’s Chesterfield Legends & Guests take on the Once Upon a Smile team, featuring soap stars and other celebrities.

The likes of Alan Birch, Jack Lester, Dave Caldwell, Phil Bonnyman and Steve Ogrizovic are among the Chesterfield legends who have agreed to play in the match. Funds raised will go to Dementia UK and the Once Upon a Smile charity.

There will be an auction with a couple of 45-minute appearances in the game up for grabs, along with a chance to act as the legends team’s assistant-manager on the day.

Walker, who has raised over £150,000 for charity after organising various fundraising matches over the years, had no hesitation when he was asked to get involved. He said: “When the family approached me weeks ago and asked me if I’d help organise it, obviously it was a 100 per cent yes.

“We’re hoping to get a really big following for our good friend Ernie. We’re gonna have a great occasion and hopefully raise lots of money for another great cause.”

Newton added: “We’re not just doing it for Ernie, we’re doing it for all these people who have got family who are suffering with this awful condition.”

Nikki Trueman, one of Ernie’s daughters, is also involved in organising the match. She said: “We’ve been doing a lot for ‘Team Ernie’ and I wanted to have a match at the Proact. We’re hoping to make it a family fun day while raising awareness of dementia and funds for Dementia UK.

“There will be 80 mascots and all the kids will be on the pitch. We’re going to do face painting, have a bouncy castle and all sorts of other stuff.”

Tickets costing £5 (adults) and £3 (children/senior citizens/students) can be bought in advance from the Chesterfield FC ticket office. A family ticket (maximum of two adults & two children) costs £12.

There is also an opportunity to have Sunday brunch with the Chesterfield legends and soap stars/celebs in Spires Restaurant. Starting at 12noon, the meal/match ticket package costs £25 (adults) and £10 (children). To book, please phone 01246 269300 (ext 4161).

Follow plans for the match on social media, using the hashtag #packtheproact4ernie.