Exclusive by Alan Quick

CREDITON United Football Club First Team Manager Matt Trenaman and his partner, Gemma Salmon, a teacher at Bow Community Primary School, who are organising a 37-hour marathon football match for the charity, Kicks Count, in memory of their daughter, Lily, say they are “thrilled” with the generosity of the public, to date.

The couple suffered the heartbreaking loss of losing their daughter, who was sadly born stillborn at 37 weeks, earlier this year.

As highlighted in the “Courier” on June 24, Matt explained: “My partner Gemma and I suffered the heartbreak of losing our beautiful baby girl Lily on January 31, 37 weeks into our pregnancy. 

“Previous scans and midwife appointments suggested a healthy baby with no cause for concern.

“On the morning of Sunday, January 31, we believed Gemma had gone into labour and were advised to go into hospital to have our baby.

“On arrival, we were devastated to learn that our baby’s heartbeat could not be found and that she had passed away. Shortly afterwards, Gemma gave natural birth to our little girl Lily, who was born sleeping. 

“We have since researched the subject of still births and were shocked to learn of the relatively high number of still births suffered in the UK in comparison to the rest of Europe. We feel far more can be done to help raise awareness for expectant parents.”

In order to raise awareness, and money for Kicks Count, a UK registered charity that aims to empower mums to be with knowledge and confidence throughout their pregnancy, the couple have organised a special fundraising event in Crediton.

At Crediton United Football Club at Lords Meadow, Crediton, the couple will host a gruelling 37-hour marathon football match.

The match will kick-off at 10pm on Friday, July 8 and finish around midday on Sunday, July 10.

The match will be an 11-a side game played at Lords Meadow and will consist of two squads of 18 players.

There will also be further fundraising activities for all the family held around the pitch on Saturday, July 9.

Matt added: “We wish to encourage as many people as possible to come along. Entry is free and further donations can be made during the weekend.”

The couple hope to raise more than £10,000 for the charity and have started a JustGiving page: www.justgiving.com/Matthew-Trenaman .

Currently with donations and from online donations, their appeal stands at £6,500.

ENGLAND RUGBY SHIRTS

During the last week there have been some significant developments, which has included the support of a number of high profile sportsmen including England’s top try scorer in the 2003 Rugby World Cup tournament and former British Lion, Will Greenwood.

Will is now a regular pundit and presenter for both Sky Sports TV and radio channel Talksport.

Matt explained: “Will has kindly donated his last ever worn England shirt, which he recently took into the sky sports studios to be signed by a host of international rugby legends; Sir Clive Woodward, Jonny Wilkinson, Sean Fitzpatrick, Michael Lynagh, Scott Quinnell and Will himself.

“This truly unique item of sporting memorabilia will now been auctioned to raise further funds for our charity ‘Kicks Count’.

“Will has also recorded a personal video message of support which can be seen on the ‘Kick for Lily’ ‘Facebook’ page.

“We have also received the support of former Tottenham Hotspur and England footballer Steve Perryman, now a technical director of football at Exeter City.

“Steve has very kindly offered to attend the event on the Saturday, July 9 and will be joined by a number of current Exeter City players.

“We have also been donated another signed worn England rugby shirt by former British Lion and Leicester Tigers player Harry Ellis. Harry is a childhood friend of Gemma and her family. Harry’s shirt will also be auctioned for our charity.

“The third item to be included in the auction is a brand new PlayStation 4 with game and sensor, which has kindly been donated by Richard Jones at R J Tyres Ltd.

“As well as the auction, which will close on Sunday, July 10, we are holding a raffle with lots of great prizes that have been kindly donated by many local businesses and friends.”

All are invited to attend the family-friendly “Kick for Lily” day from 11am to 4pm on Saturday, July 9. There will be refreshments, a barbecue, bouncy castle, Zorb football, Speed Shot, face painting, a chance to meet the Exeter City FC players and lots of activities.

Admission is free but donations would be welcomed.