May 17, 2017 4.24 pm This story is over 82 months old

Comedian Jack Whitehall to star in charity football day at Blundell Park

Comedian Jack Whitehall is set to star in a charity football day at Blundell Park this Sunday. The star of A League of Their Own and Teachers will be lining up in a team put together by Grimsby comedian Lloyd Griffith as part of an event organised by Grimsby Town supporters’ group the Mariners Trust.…
Jack Whitehall will appear at Blundell Park on May 21. Photo: vagueonthehow

Comedian Jack Whitehall is set to star in a charity football day at Blundell Park this Sunday.

The star of A League of Their Own and Teachers will be lining up in a team put together by Grimsby comedian Lloyd Griffith as part of an event organised by Grimsby Town supporters’ group the Mariners Trust.

Four games will take place across the day with funds being raised for the charity Bloodwise.

Jack Whitehall will be joined by former Grimsby Town players Gary Croft, Danny North and Martin Gritton.

Former Emmerdale actress Sophie Powles and the voice of the Mariners, broadcaster John Tondeur, will manage the celebrity XI.

They will take on a team of Grimsby Town supporters who contributed to the Operation Promotion crowdfunding campaign two years ago.

Tickets are £3 for adults and £1 for under 16s and are available from the Main Stand turnstile from 10am on Sunday.

There will be a raffle with a signed Jamey Osborne shirt up for grabs as well as hot food and refreshments.

Lloyd said: “Now I know what it feels like to be a manager of Grimsby Town. Trying to get people to come and play for one day has been hard enough let alone a season!

“It’s great to have Jack onboard. He’s a great pal, and played a bit of football together when I supported him on his tour but now it’s time to show his true potential. He’s played at Wembley more times than most England players to be fair.”

Broadley FC will also be playing an exhibition match as part of Sunday’s footballing festivities.

The team was set up in memory of Richard Broadley, a 20-year-old Grimsby Town fan who died of leukaemia in 2011.

Teams in Grimsby and Lincoln have been set up to raise money for the charity Bloodwise and they are using their match at the weekend to promote the charity and to raise funds.

The club has also received the backing of Man v Food star Adam Richman.

Paul Savage, vice chairman of the Mariners Trust, said: “We’re grateful to Lloyd for bringing his celebrity pals to Grimsby to make the game and the day a success.

“There will be four games during the day, with Broadley FC kicking off at 10am, then the celebrity match at 1pm. In the afternoon we have matches for junior Mariners and then a game for Mariners Trust members from 6pm.”