A charity football match between two Staffordshire pub teams helped raise £1,800 for a hospital.

The game between the Meynell Ingram Arms at Hoar Cross and the Red Lion at Newborough, both near Lichfield, was part of efforts by League Two side Burton Albion’s coach Mark Sale to thank the Queen’s Hospital, Burton upon Trent, where he was treated for cancer a decade ago.

Mark, who made more than 200 appearances in the Football League, organised a series of local charity events – also including a golf day and auction – to raise the money.

He explained: “I had just signed for Rushden & Diamonds Football Club and the coaching staff were concerned by my lack of early season fitness. Initially I trained longer and harder, but when things still didn’t improve I decided to have some routine blood tests.” The worrying results led the husband and father-of-one from Hoar Cross to undergo further hospital tests, before he received the news that he had been dreading.

“I was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s Disease – a form of cancer that affects cells in the lymphatic system – and immediately started a six-month course of chemotherapy,” he said.

“Naturally I was worried about my future and whether I would be able to play again, but thanks to the exceptional care and support that I was given by the hospital and its staff, I made a full recovery. This donation is just my way of giving something back and saying thank you.”

The idea to organise a charity football match followed a conversation with his local pub landlord in the summer.

Mark said: “The game, between the Meynell Ingram Arms, Hoar Cross, and the Red Lion, Newborough, really captured the imagination. It took place in August with the Red Lion winning a hard-fought victory. It was a real community event and I was so pleased that lots of local families and children came along on the day to join in the fun. I’m also grateful to everyone who supported the subsequent golf day and charity auction.”

Following his chemotherapy treatment at Queen’s Hospital, Mark regained his fitness and resumed his football career. He retired in 2007 aged 35 years old and took up a coaching position at Burton Albion. He is currently the Brewers’ youth and reserve team manager.