FORMER Royal Wootton Bassett footballer James Smith’s life will be celebrated at a charity match this Easter weekend.

 

The popular 24-year-old Royal Marine, who had played for the reserves and under 18s before going on to play for Cirencester Town’s development squad, lost his fight against cancer shortly before Christmas.

 

And on Sunday players from both teams will step out onto the pitch at the Corinium Stadium to play a match in his memory as part of a fundraiser for the hospice that cared for him in his final days.

 

One of the organisers, Rachael Bartlett, said: “We hope lots of people can join us for a great day out for all the family on Easter Sunday and help us raise funds for Sue Ryder Leckhampton Court Hospice.

 

“We want to raise as much money as possible to support this amazing place who helped not only James, but his family and friends too. We want to make sure they can continue providing exceptional care to other families.”

 

James, who was diagnosed with the disease in April last year, was also a keen cricketer and played for Royal Wootton Bassett Cricket Club where his father Rod is chairman.

 

A family fun day has been planned as well as the match, featuring an Easter egg hunt, a bouncy castle, face painting, a cake sale and a bar. A disco following in the evening.

 

Head of fundraising for the hospital, Mike Teague, said: “On behalf of everyone at the hospice I would like to thank Cirencester Town FC, Wootton Bassett FC, the players, organisers and friends who are coming together to put on this special family-friendly event to help raise much needed funds for our hospice. We wish them the best of luck for the day.

 

“It’s events like these which help keep our specialist hospice care and services running so we can be there for more families who need us. I hope there’s a great turn-out and show of support.”

 

Many of the players on both sides are former team mates of James, who played for Cirencester for four years before he left in 2015 to become a marine.

 

The event starts at 1.30pm and the match kicks off at 3pm. Tickets on the door cost £5 for adults and £1 for children.