Express & Star

Jody Craddock leads Wolves All Star team in action against Russells Hall Hospital A&E staff

Hundreds of eager spectators turned up at Stourbridge Football Club to watch a charity match featuring a Wolves All Star team.

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Jody Craddock leads out the players

The former Wolves players, captained by centre half turned painter Jody Craddock, battled to a two all draw against a team of emergency department workers from Russells Hall Hospital.

The pair squared off in the annual match to raise money for the emergency department at the Dudley hospital.

In the past two years the match has raised a whopping £24,000 with plenty of corporate sponsorship and help from the Steve Bull foundation.

Last year some of the money raised went towards buying iPads so children attending the A&E would have something to help take their mind off why they were there.

The organisers, who are yet to count this year's total, do not expect to have made as much as the £12,000 per year in the last two years but are hoping to have raised a good sum.

Karen Phillips, the fundraising manager for the Dudley Group NHS Charity who organises the flagship event, said: "It went really well even if the weather was not great. It was a two all draw with a good turnout which we were pleased with.

"The staff at the department all work really long hours but they were all out there trying to raise money for their own department which was great to see.

"We do not know exactly how many fans came through the gates but there were plenty in the stands even though it rained. Stourbridge Football Club said it was well turned out.

"The event has been going for some five years now, with us raising money for the emergency department for the last three.

"It started out as just a small game and has grown into this and is our main fundraiser each year. It is great to see.

Jody Craddock leads out the players
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