Following the sad news that Scott Bell has been diagnosed with motor neurone disease the club have been in contact with the popular frontman to see if there is anything that they can do to help him or his family. After consultation it has been agreed that a benefit match, with the proceeds going to Scott and his family, will be organised at the end of the upcoming season.
The proposed date for the fixture is Saturday May 5, kicking off at 2pm. This will be followed by various additional fund raising activities in the Social Club afterwards. This is the day of the FA Cup final (which this season kicks off at 5.15pm), so the club will also try and incorporate that into the fund raising efforts. The game will feature a Scott Bell XI (basically his former teammates from Blyth Spartans) who will face opposition still to be confirmed.
It had been the intention to host the game in this preseason, but the majority of Scott’s teammates are now at other clubs and will be preparing for their upcoming seasons with their new teams. It also gives the club a sufficient amount of time to plan and organise things properly to maximise the money raised on the day for Scott and his family.
The club will be getting in touch with Scott’s former teammates to inform them of the proposed plans, alternatively should any of you read this please get in touch with Ian Evans at the club to confirm your interest in participating.
The club will release more details as and when they become available.