A host of stars, including Paul Merson and Bryan Robson, will play a football match in Cornwall to help Children’s Hospice South West’s appeal to build a children’s hospice in the county. You can watch on in delight as a team of celebrities take on a Cornish Eleven at Truro City Football Club on Sunday, September 27, in aid of the local cause.

Star names already announced include ex-England footballers Bryan Robson and Paul Merson, ex-Republic of Ireland player Keith O’Neill, 1997 World Snooker Champion Ken Doherty, Westlife heartthrob Nicky Byrne, and former Wham! pop star Andrew Ridgeley. They will be playing against a local team including players from the local media and Truro City FC.

Keith O’Neill, who represented the Republic of Ireland and Middlesborough during his career as a professional footballer and now lives in Cornwall, says: "As a parent the Precious Lives Appeal is very close to my heart and I’m delighted to be able to support the families who need a children’s hospice in Cornwall by helping to organise the biggest celebrity football match Cornwall has ever seen,"

Tickets, priced at £12 (seated) or £8 (standing), are available now from the CHSW office in Truro or Strikers Bar at Truro City Football Club. As well as admission to the Celebrity Football Match your ticket will also give you automatic entry into a draw for a fun half time penalty shootout competition with a chance to win tickets to see Manchester United!

For an extra special experience, a limited number of VIP tickets are available at £50. This will include a VIP seat to watch the match, a drink in the bar with the team, exclusive access to the VIP area to meet, greet, and take your picture with the stars, and the chance to get your hands on some great lots in a special celebrity auction!

The match is being kindly supported by Follett Stock and Air Soutwest and all proceeds will go towards building a children’s hospice – Little Habour – in Porthpean.

Emma Lloyd, Children’s Hospice South West Head of Fundraising (West) says:"We are absolutely delighted that these stars will be coming to Cornwall to help our local cause, in a first for the Precious Lives Appeal and the county. We hope the Celebrity Football Match will be a great success – raising vital funds as well as providing a great afternoon out."

"From top class former professional footballers to popular boy band members there is something for everyone at this event and, if that weren’t enough, we hope to be revealing some more celebrities over the coming weeks, so watch this space!"

Nicky Bryne, who played as a goalkeeper in Leeds United's youth setup for two years before joining boy band Westlife in 1997, says: "This is such a great idea and it will be good to be put on my football boots again especially for such a fantastic cause! I hope lots of people come to cheer us on and help us support the building of a new children’s hospice in Cornwall."

Former Manchester United and England star, Bryan Robson adds: "I’m really looking forward to coming down to Cornwall and playing in this event that will raise thousands for a very worthy cause."

The Celebrity Football Match will kick off at 3pm on Sunday, September 27, at Truro City Football Club. Gates open at 1pm, with pre-match entertainment by Pirate FM. Tickets cost £12 (seated), £8 (standing), or £50 for a VIP ticket.

It is anticipated that this star-studded event will be very popular so you are advised to book your ticket now to avoid disappointment. Contact the CHSW office on 01872 261 166, or call in at 8 Walsingham Place, Truro TR1 2RP between office hours (9am – 5pm, Monday – Friday). Tickets will also be available to purchase in advance at Strikers Bar of Truro City Football Club. Some standing only tickets may be available on the gates on the day, but at a cost of £10.