CANCER-battler John Woods is to kick off a charity football match in his honour on Sunday.

The match to raise money for Dorothy House Hospice was originally postponed when Woods went back into hospital as he battles against cancer.

Woods, 34, was diagnosed with cancer at the beginning of the year.

The Corsham assistant manager and player was optimistic the cancer was in remission but a scan showed the tumours had not shrunk and surgery was the only option.

Woods said he is feeling better after the operation, which left 26 staples in his stomach. He cannot wait for the game between a Tommy Saunders XI, of former Chippenham Town players who made it to Wembley for the FA Vase final five years ago, and a team of past and present Corsham players managed by Colin Bush.

Woods said: "It is going to be a really good match and hopefully we can raise some money for a good cause.

"This is a good opportunity to get to see some of the lads that took Chippenham to Wembley and against a good side from Corsham."

Woods added: "I will kick off the game, come off the pitch and probably stand between Nobby (Colin Bush) and Tommy.

"Having the game has been really good. It has been something for me to look forward to and I am going to see a few lads I have not seen in a while.

"I am keeping my fingers crossed over the operation and I am hopeful that this is the last little bit and when I go back to London for a check-up in two weeks it will be in remission. All the signs look good and the feedback from the specialist does as well."

Bush said Woods had been an inspiration to many people and hoped to have him playing for his side again in the future.

"We are hoping to get a lot of people down there who want to support John and a local charity.

"I would urge a lot of people who may not be interested in football to come to the match to donate some money."

Saunders said: "I am glad we can support John. He was a great player for me for ten years and every player who has played alongside or against him only has good words for him."

Tickets for the match cost £3 for adults and £1.50 for children with kick off at 3pm at Southbank.