A PROFESSIONAL football referee will officiate a charity match at a Bradford school tomorrow that will raise money towards the funeral of a popular pupil who died earlier this month.

Andrew Madley, who has taken charge of matches at Wembley and regularly referees in the Championship, has been recruited to take charge of a game between two teams of year 11 students at BBG Academy, Bradford Road, Birkenshaw.

The 11-a-side match kicks off at 3pm, is open to all, and costs £1 to get in - with all proceeds going to a fundraising appeal in aid of Ellie Bramham’s family. The players will pay £5 each to take part.

Ellie, 14, died suddenly from type one diabetes on January 11. She was a year nine pupil at the academy.

A fundraising campaign set up to help her family pay for a funeral has so far raised more than £6,000. More than £5,200 has been raised online - with donations from as far away as Australia - and pupils, parents and staff raised about £900 from a bake sale.

BBG Academy head teacher Saira Luffman said: “The support we have had from the community has been unbelievable. We are hugely grateful to our families and the community, as is Ellie’s family.

“I have been blown away by the support for the academy and the support the family has had. It has been nothing short of phenomenal.”

Ellie’s dad, Andrew Bramham, said on social media: “I am lost for words how much support Ellie’s friends and all the teachers have gave.”

Mrs Luffman added: “The support has been the overriding factor in this. It is obviously an absolute tragedy and we are devastated for Ellie’s family and friends. But what it has shown me, is how supportive this community is. From the flowers on the school gate, to the messages and donations on the JustGiving page.”

Mr Madley has been on the English Football League list of referees since 2011. Mrs Luffman said the school’s usual referee, Jem Saville, would “kindly move over for the professional”.

Ellie’s funeral will take place on February 3 at St Peter’s Church, Birstall. Mrs Luffman said pupils will wear purple ribbons for Ellie at the service.

She added that Station Coaches, of Batley, had offered to take pupils to the funeral for free.

To donate to the appeal in memory of Ellie, visit www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/Elliebramham14.