A charity football match is being held in memory of limbless veteran Warren Wolstencroft and to raise money for Blesma, the Limbless Veterans and East Lancashire Hospice, the two charities that helped Warren and his family in their hour of need.
Warren served with the Queen's Lancashire Regiment from 1993 until 2001. He contracted a rare form of cancer in his right hand which led to the amputation in 2000 of his right arm below elbow, but unfortunately Warren lost his battle with cancer in 2013.
Despite his disability, Warren took on various fundraising activities on behalf of Blesma, which it is estimated he raised over £30k. Just prior to his passing, Warren worked tirelessly on a charity football match at his beloved Blackburn Rovers Football Ground. A task that now team mate, Ben Wiseman, has continued in Warren’s honour.
Ben Wiseman, 33, who lives in St Annes, Blackpool, said, “We used to have a Blackburn Rovers supporters team which is how I originally met Warren and a few of the others. Warren started the first game in 2013 and I have taken on the role following his passing. We have played at various grounds Ewood Park, Macron Stadium and Highbury Stadium. I also organise a gala dinner which normally is held in May and two of us also took part in the Fall for Fallen event last year and another is due to take part in this year’s event.”
The teams will be made up of friends of Warren and those who have heard about the event through word of mouth over the four years since it began. Through various other fundraising events, Ben and team have raised £20,000 for the charities chosen because of the help they provided Warren and his family throughout his life.
Zanika Fearon, Blesma Community & Events Fundraising Manager, said, “The Wolstencroft Cup is a brilliant fundraiser and Ben has worked tirelessly to bring the football tournament together. It will be a fantastic day for all and the funds raised from it will make a huge difference to the Association.”