City legends line up for Alex tribute match

A CHARITY football match is being held in memory of an inspirational teenager who spent his life helping others.

Alex Williams suffered a stroke and died in August, 2012, at the age 18 after spending years campaigning for the Meningitis Trust as a young ambassador and helping to spread awareness of the condition.

The teenager, from Ashton, was diagnosed with meningitis at the age of seven and spent more than a month in a coma on life support.

The condition left him with memory loss, deafness and bilateral footdrop, which meant he could never walk again.

But Alex who enjoyed playing football, refused to let his disability be a barrier and he replaced football with wheelchair basketball at Oldham Owls.

He also coached a disabled dance class, raised awareness of meningitis, gave talks in school assemblies, put on fund-raising events, held bucket collections and spoke at conferences about his experiences.

He was also one of the founding members of the Young Ambassador scheme at the Meningitis Trust.

On May 31, Alex Williams All Stars are taking on Man City Old Boys in a charity football match.

The event is to raise money for The Believe and Achieve Trust — Alex’s charity founded in his honour to increase the physical and mental health of those affected by meningitis and support sufferers wishing to succeed in sport.

The event has been organised by close family friend of Alex and Mossley kit man Gareth Worrall. Gareth said: “Alex was a great friend and an inspirational young man. I don’t really have to say what’s inspired me to hold this match everyone knows how great Alex was.

“I decided that I wanted to do something to keep his name alive but also support his great charity.”

Playing for the Man City Allstars team are Shaun Goater, Uwe Rosler, Steve Redmond and Peter Barnes as well as other ex-City players.

Playing for Alex’s team will be Gareth, boxer Matthew Hatton, radio DJ Mike Sweeney and possibly Paul Scholes.

The game is being held at Mossley AFC’s Seel Park ground with a 2pm kick off. Tickets cost £3 for adults and £1 for children.

For more information contact Gaz Worrall on 07912059314 or email alex-believeandachieve @hotmail.co.uk

email: alexcarey@oldham-chronicle.co.uk