Footballers in frame for gifts

BRINGING cheer . . . Carol Simkiss with some members of the team

CAROL Simkiss got the most wonderful gift of all for her 60th birthday ­- seeing the joy her generosity brought to some very special youngsters.

Instead of presents Carol, from Shaw, asked family and friends to give her a donation for Chadderton Park Cerebral Palsy Football Team.

She raised a fantastic £700 which is more than enough to buy the club one of their much needed football frames.

The team currently has an online appeal to buy at least five frames which the children use to help them get about the pitch and fully participate in their favourite sport.

Chadderton Park secretary Craig Simpson invited kind-hearted Carol and her husband, David, down to a practice session where she handed over the cash and watched youngsters in action.

"I read about Chadderton Cerebral Palsy Football in the Chronicle a while ago," she said.

"I've always played lots of sport throughout my life and decided that I wanted to raise some money to help them out. I asked friends and family to make a donation for my recent birthday in lieu of presents.

"They have a great set-up there and the football is played with great determination and enthusiasm."

Craig told us: "When Carol contacted me and offered to donate money for her 60th birthday instead of gifts I was blown away with such lovely gesture from someone who had read our stories in the Chronicle.

"Everyone connected with the group ­ can not thank Carol enough. What a lovely gesture from such a lovely person."

If you'd like to donate a frame to the team go to www.chaddertonparkfc.co.uk/CerebralPalsy to find out more.