Margot Martini: Walsall FC legends raise cash in memory of inspirational youngster
A team of Walsall FC legends took to the field in a charity contest to raise more than £1,000 in memory of tragic two year-old Margot Martini.
They took on Wednesbury Athletic, who organised the fundraiser, in front of more than 300 people on Saturday at Chasetown FC.
Margot passed away in 2014 after being diagnosed with a rare form of cancer but not before her brave parents, Yaser and Vicki, originally from Essington, launched a campaign to find a bone marrow donor.
After the match Yaser said: "Thank you so much to Chasetown FC for hosting, to both teams and also to everyone who supported and came to watch, events like this don't just happen on their own and if this year is anything to go by, next year will be bigger and better still."
He expressed special gratitude for organisers Sarah Tranter and Gav Ingles.
Mr Ingles, manager of Wednesbury Athletic, was working voluntarily at Wolverhampton's Mount Hotel when it hosted a Swab4Margot event while the youngster was still fighting.
He said: "I just thought at the time that so many people love football, young, old, girls and boys, that we could help raise awareness.
"We put the Team Margot Foundation on the front of our shirts. Last year we did our first charity match with the Wolves legends which raised over a £1,000.
"We are still waiting for the final amount but this one is expected to raise over £1,000 as well.
"It was a great occasion. We had between 300 and 400 people turn up. Yaser spoke and thanked everyone for coming.
"We will definitely be doing another next year."
Walsall Football Supporters Trust helped rally some true Saddlers legends to take part in the match including goalkeeper Jimmy 'Wacka' Walker who became a cult hero at the club wracking up more than 400 appearances over 11 years.
Ian Roper and Darren Wrack were also included in the line-up having turned out more than 600 times for Walsall between them.
While the team was managed by Chris March who helped the club secure promotion in 1995 and 1999.
The entertaining contest ended four-four - the same score as last year when Wednesbury took on the Wolves outfit.
Steve Davies, trust secretary, said: "The Walsall team was an impressive side but the game ended four, four.
"There was a decent crowd of around 400 people and Chasetown were superb hosts.
"Margot's family were there and they enjoyed the occasion."
