A famous collection of actors will play a team of Oldham Athletic legends at Boundary Park for charity tomorrow much to the delight of celebrity captain Danny Miller.
The match will raise funds for the Once Upon a Smile charity which helps support families that have lost a child or children that have lost a parents to a long term or terminal illness.
After the success of last year’s match, which Latics won 4-3, Miller – who stars in Scott & Bailey and is known for playing Aaron Livsey in Emmerdale – is grateful for a rematch.
“As co-founder of Once Upon A Smile with Daniel Jillings, I was delighted with the success of last year’s game at Boundary Park,” said the Stockport-born actor.
“The support Oldham Athletic as a club has given us has made this game possible.
“The players from both sides have given their time for free and for that I must say a huge thank you from all at Once Upon A Smile and also behalf of Dr Kershaw’s Hospice.
“It’s going to be a brilliant day, with a TV star victory hopefully but more important raise much needed funds for two brilliant local causes.”
In charge for Oldham is arguably their most-successful-ever manager Joe Royle and will have players including current manager Lee Johnson and chairman Simon Corney.
Former reserve team coach Lee Duxbury, with 248 Latics appearances, plus left-back Neil Pointon –who played 108 times between 1992 and 1995 – and former captain Mike Milligan, who spent eight seasons at Oldham will also feature.
The Once Upon A Smile Celebrity XI includes a host of soap stars from Hollyoaks, Waterloo Road and Emmerdale plus X Factor bands The Mend and The Risk.
Known best as Finn Sharkey in the formerly Rochdale-based Waterloo Road, Jack McMullen hopes people will come out and support such a worthy cause.
“As a patron of Once upon A Smile, I am honoured to playing in this game at a great club with a vast amount of history and raising money for such worthwhile causes,” added McMullen.
“I wish to thank every single person who attended the game and made it worthwhile.”
The game kicks off at 3pm and tickets cost £5 for adults,£2.50 for children, £10 for a family of two adults and two children while Oldham season-ticket holder go free with their booklet.
For more information on the charity plus squad updates and on-the-day special events visit www.onceuponasmile.org.uk
Image courtesy of ITV Studios, via YouTube, with thanks
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