The match is called The Joma Challenge Cup in memory of Jack Chapman, and is in aid of the Cystinosis Foundation. The charity is very close to the clubs heart as the first team manager Danny Chapman and his family have been through the pain of experiencing the affects and loss that Cystinosis causes, Danny’s son Jack sadly passed away aged just 18 months.

Joma have kindly sponsored the event and have donated a cup that will be contested between the two sides.

Cystinosis is a rare inherited disease with an incidence, in developed countries, of about 1 case in every 200,000 live births Cystinosis occurs when the mechanism removing excess cystine (an amino acid) breaks down. It then accumulates within cells of the body, preventing these cells from functioning correctly. This initially leads to kidney problems and progresses to other parts of the body, including the thyroid gland, eyes and liver. Impaired growth is yet another symptom of the condition.

The family were told that in most cases it is the kidneys that develop problems first and that Jack would more than likely need a kidney transplant within the next few years. They were also told the reality was that Jack may not live beyond 30.

Currently, there is no cure for Cystinosis. However, the Cystinosis Foundation UK is helping to support research that will help in finding a cure and improving the medicines available to treat the symptoms. Whilst Cystinosis manifests itself in different ways and its effects can vary in severity, medicines are available to help manage Cystinosis on a daily basis.

You can read more about the condition and the wonderful things the charity does supporting families, raising money and awareness, in the hope that one day a cure will found. The website is www.cystinosis.org.uk

The Club are looking to raise as much money as possible to benefit this great cause and as such we would be grateful if this fixture could be publicised wherever possible to get as many people to the game as possible.

There will also be an Under 9s football tournament before the main match and evening event in the function suite to help raise further funds for the charity.