Lancashire Clubs Join Forces For The Gary Parkinson Trophy
Preston North End FC are proud to announce plans for The Gary Parkinson Trophy - a four team 20/20 cricket tournament between PNE, Blackpool, Bolton Wanderers and Burnley aimed at raising funds for the Gary Parkinson Fund.
Taking place on Sunday 8th May from 10am - 7pm at Preston Cricket Club's West Cliff ground, players past and present will be joined by guest stars from each club to play a three-game tournament featuring two semi-finals and a final, with all the proceeds raised from gate receipts helping to fund Gary's ongoing care.
Back in September 2010, Gary suffered a stroke which attacked his brain stem, resulting in him being left in 'locked in syndrome' - a state of almost total paralysis apart from been able to move his eyes up and down.
This 20/20 cricket event aims to continue the fundraising that all of his former clubs are undertaking and will include a mixture of current and former football club players - and guests as appropriate - as determined by each club individually. Big names currently scheduled to play include Graham Alexander, Ian Bryson, Simon Davey and David Eyres, with plenty more stars to be added to the roster between now and the moment that the wickets are pitched.
First up at 10am, a keenly anticipated tussle pits Bolton Wanderers against Burnley; a fixture that comes with a fair amount of spice on the football field but unites two great clubs in the aid of one worthy cause.
The second semi will be between huge West Lancashire rivals Preston and Blackpool, a game that neither side will want to lose, starting at 1pm.
The winner of both matches will play in the final match at 4pm, in order to see who is crowned the winning team in Lancashire. It is certain to be an eagerly fought out title.
Admission has been set at an affordable rate of £5 for adults and £2 for juniors for the whole day, with pass outs available.
There will also be a raffle and auction held on the day in order to raise more money for the Gary Parkinson Fund, and any donations on the day would be much appreciated.
Tickets are available now from the PNE ticket office and will also be available on the gate.
Adrian Ward | Marketing Manager
Preston North End Football Club
Sir Tom Finney Way | Deepdale | Preston | PR1 6RU
0844 856 1964 | F 01772 693366
marketing@pne.com | www.pne.com | www.mypne.com
