A CHARITY football match in honour of two dead fathers which was cancelled due to the Boxing Day floods will take place this Sunday.

Friends Oli Smith and Libby Perry, who organise the annual charity soccer game, had to abandon the match scheduled for New Year’s Day because Salts Sports Club, in Saltaire, was under water. They now hope to raise even more funds for two charities close to their hearts.

Libby, 22 and Oli, 27, both from Baildon, lost their dads just months apart. This is the second year the duo have arranged the match to support British Heart Foundation and Diabetes UK.

Mr Smith said: “We chose to host this on New Year’s Day as it’s a special day for both families. Not only did we celebrate Martin’s birthday, but also Michael and Anita Perry celebrated their wedding anniversary on this day as well. The devastating floods over Christmas meant we had to push back until the summer and holding the game on a bank holiday will hopefully bring big crowds and good weather which we hope will generate a healthy donation for two fantastic causes.”

His father Martin died of a heart failure in December 2013.

“Martin was very passionate about football being a keen Leicester City fan and also watched me week in week out playing for Shipley Juniors. I thought it would be an ideal event to not only bring both families together to remember such special men, but also an event for everyone to get involved with either playing or watching.”

Miss Perry said “It was Oli’s idea and we thought it was a great way to remember our dads and to support two charities.”

Libby’s dad Mike, who had Type 1 diabetes, died in April 2014, weeks before he was due to complete a 200 mile bike ride to raise funds for Diabetes UK.

Miss Perry, who recently became a police officer, added: “My dad was a diabetic for 32 years and always supported Diabetes UK, so we want to keep this up.”

The match, which starts at 1pm on Sunday, August 28 at Salts Sports Club, home of Salts FC, where Oli is a player manager. The game will be followed by drinks in the club bar and a BBQ with staff donating their wages for the day to the two causes.

Oli, a Business Development Manager said: “We’re really grateful to the staff for their kind gesture- there aren’t too many people who would offer to work for free on a bank holiday.”

Sue Green, British Heart Foundation Fundraising Manager said: “It’s a fantastic tribute in memory of both dads.”

Emily Honey, Diabetes UK regional fundraiser expressed gratitude to Libby, Oli and everybody involved for their support and perseverance.”

To donate visit: https://www.facebook.com/events/1633551566898116/