On Friday 9th May, Cardiff City FC hosted a unique football match, bringing back former Bluebirds and international stars, together with current players for what turned out to be a truly spectacular evening. The event, titled ‘A game for Claire’, was in memory of Claire Nokes, daughter of Cardiff City FC Medical Director, Dr Len Nokes.
In 2017, at the young age of 26, Claire sadly passed away after a cardiac arrest was brought on by myocarditis. From this, Claire suffered a hypoxic brain injury which subsequently left her in a vegetative state for the last eight months of her life. During this time, the Nokes family were greatly supported by the Prop Appeal, a fund managed by Cardiff & Vale Health Charity which helps patients and families going through brain injury rehabilitation.
“The Prop Appeal helped buy things for the ward which you wouldn’t expect the NHS to pay for,” said Len, who is now a patron for the appeal. “They brought in technology to provide visual and hearing stimulation, as well as help the physiotherapists. It was the little things they did that made a big difference.”
On a gloriously sunny evening, football and charity supporters joined together at Cardiff City Stadium for kick off.
Captained by Joe Ledley, the Cardiff City XI took on David Marshall’s All Stars XI and won by penalties. The exciting game was sure to be an All Star win until the final two minutes, when the Bluebirds remarkably turned it around and sent the game to penalties after a 4-4 draw. The penalty shootout resulted in a score of 4-2 to Cardiff City.
Following the thrilling game, a raffle and auction took place, where lucky winners and bidders took home items such as signed Cardiff City football shirts, a Bluebirds Mascot Experience, and a Day at the Races – Owners Experience.
Cardiff & Vale Health Charity would like to thank all the sponsors for their incredible generosity of this event; to Hugh James for sponsoring the All Stars team football kit; to Gold sponsors 30 Park Place, and Case Management Cymru for sponsoring the matchday ball. An enormous thank you to Cardiff City for hosting the event for free and everyone involved, especially Dr Len Nokes and Sandeep Gill who were the driving force behind this magnificent event which has raised over £34,000 for the Prop Appeal.
Summing up the game on the night, Len said, “”A lot of work has gone into today, but it’s all worth it. Just to see people smiling here and enjoying themselves, this is what it’s all about.
“It’s humbling to see how many people have come out to support this. I feel very humble that they’ve come out and have turned up for Claire; I’m very honoured.”
Health Charity Manager, Lucie Barrett said, “Fundraising plays such an important role in enhancing the lives of our patients at each of our services. The funds raised pay for items and activities above and beyond NHS funding, such as extra patient comforts, music therapy, and wellbeing initiatives. Never has the charity been more important in helping deliver the very best care and experiences for patients and staff.”
FINAL SCORE: CARDIFF CITY XI 4-4 ALL STAR XI (4-2 ON PENALTIES)
Cardiff City XI: Gavin Ward, Joe Ledley ©, Frazier Campbell, Damon Searle, Jay Bothroyd, Shannon Evans, Sean Morrison, Tom Ramasut, Fiona Barry, Jason Fowler, Kevin McNaughton.
Substitutes: Scott Young, Ffion Price, Darren Purse, Nieve Jenkins, Lily Billingham, Matthew Connolly, Stuart O’Keefe.
All Stars XI: David Marshall ©, Craig Bellamy, Lee Tomlin, Anthony Pilkington, Katy Hosford, Lee Peltier, Ben Turner, Ellie Lane, Andy Legg, Gavin Rae, Craig Conway.
Substitutes: Lewys Twamley, Ceri Sweeney, Jamie Ringer, Nia Jones, Chloe Chivers, Rachel Cullen, Leroy Brito.