Halesowen Town to host community day in support of the Alfie Lund Fund

HALESOWEN TOWN are hosting a community day next Saturday for the visit of Skelmersdale United to help raise awareness of the brilliant Alfie Lund Fund.

The Alfie Lund Fund was set up by Mark Lund and wife Rachel to raise money and knowledge of his son Alfie’s MECP2 duplication syndrome.

The rare disorder has left Alfie unable to walk or talk and he has profound and complex learning difficulties but that hasn’t hampered his love for football.

Mark, a huge Skelmersdale fan, started a unique scarf challenge asking people and clubs to donate a scarf. The movement captured the imagination of the Non-League family and Alfie currently has 1,209 scarves to his name.

Following a trip to watch Halesowen play local rivals Stourbridge last season in the Number 9 derby, Mark and Alfie made some good friends and promised to return.

They will be at The Grove next Saturday (April 1) as the Yeltz host Skelmersdale with the cost of admission halved to just £5 if you donate a scarf.

The Northern Premier League have backed the day and commemorative limited edition pin badges will also be on sale for Alfie’s 92nd match on the road.

Mark, who won the Unsung Hero prize at our National Game Awards last year, said: “We have spent three seasons travelling round Non-League grounds raising awareness for our nine-year-old son’s life limiting disorder MECP2 Duplication Syndrome.

“Last season we attended the No9 derby and have made some good friends and said we would return this season for Halesowen Town v Skelmersdale United on Saturday April 1st.

“We as a family would like to take the opportunity to thank all at Halesowen for turning the day into a community day in aid of Alfie.

“The NPL have also given permission for the club to charge supporters £5 entry on the day if they donate a scarf to Alfie’s record bid for the longest football fan scarf and commemorative limited edition pin badges will also be available on the day.

“Alfie’s scarf chain at the moment stands at 1,209 and is growing by the day and the record is 1,100 set in Dubai by a person who bought all of them, so Alfie’s is unique as all his scarves have been donated by clubs and supporters.

“If you are looking for a game to attend on April 1st come down to Halesowen, donate a scarf meet Alfie and watch affordable football for £5 and support a great cause.

“Saturday will also be Alfie’s 92nd match on the road and we only planned to do eight so who knows were match 100 will be.”