You can score free tickets to a Latics game while supporting Dr Kershaw’s Hospice

Football fans can get free tickets to a Latics game while helping Dr Kershaw’s Hospice by signing up for its upcoming Hartley’s Hero Walk.

The fundraising event on Friday, February 27 invites children to take part in five sponsored laps of the football stadium at Boundary Park.

Each child who signs up and completes the challenge will receive a medal and two free tickets to a match.

Also included in the ticket is access to a Heroes Hub in the Fan Bar, which will be jam-packed with games, a raffle and food and drink.

Children can meet Dr Kershaw’s Hartley mascot and Chaddy the Owl while exploring the grounds with fun glow-in-the-dark elements.

An optional fancy dress code gives children the chance to come along as their favourite real-life or fictional hero.

Ross Elliott, digital marketing coordinator at Dr Kershaw’s Hospice, said: “This is set to be a fantastic event for children and families.

“In my free time, I help to run the Mental Health Football initiative, and I have seen how sports and team activities bring people together.

“By completing our hero-themed mission, children will be showing some of the qualities needed by any hero: determination, bravery and compassion.

“Our hospice relies on the heroes within our community to continue our vital palliative and end-of-life services.

“We are very grateful to Latics for their support for our event, which will support the fantastic work of Dr Kershaw’s Hospice and Oldham Athletic Community Trust.”

Entry is £10 per child and £2.50 per adult, with babies under 18 months entering for free.

All children will receive a fundraising pack with a DIY mask, cape and sponsor form – with a fundraising target of £40.

Hartley’s Hero Walk hopes to highlight how everyone can be a hero, just like the doctors, nurses and healthcare assistants who help patients at Dr Kershaw’s Hospice each day.

Ross added: “Not all heroes wear capes, and we are rooting on our little heroes to show us what they are made of!”

The event marks An exciting partnership between the hospice and Oldham Athletic Community Trust (OACT).

Martin Vose, head of community at OACT, said: “We are supporting Dr Kershaw’s Hospice because our values and missions align deeply with community care, collaboration, and improving the lives of local people.

“This partnership represents a key part of our wider community engagement strategy, where local organisations join forces to deliver meaningful impact.

“Supporting Hartley’s Hero Walk and Dr Kershaw’s Hospice is a natural extension of this approach – celebrating community spirit, raising vital awareness, and helping generate support for local people and families who rely on the hospice’s essential services.

“This event is a fantastic opportunity for football supporters and their families because it brings the community together in a positive, meaningful way.

“It offers fans a chance to connect with the club beyond matchdays, enjoy time together at Boundary Park, and support two local charities that make a real difference.”

For more information, please visit: www.drkh.org.uk/hero-walk

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