Leyton Orient to host Charity Match in May

Leyton Orient to host Charity Match in May

Top British names from the world of sport, music, media and entertainment will take part in a special Charity Match, hosted by Leyton Orient, in support of prostate cancer and mental health on May 27.

Errol McKellar’s Celebrity XI will take on Martin Ling’s London Legends in a special and competitive match for charity, dubbed ”Big Match, Big Clause”.

The event, which is taking place at the Matchroom Stadium to raise awareness and money for Prostate Cancer UK and MIND Hertfordshire, promises to be a great event with a number of great names turning out for the two sides. Currently a number of big names are already confirmed and many more are still to be announced in the coming weeks.

Confirmed attendees include:

• Chris Hugton – Current manager of Brighton & Hove Albion
• Chris Powell – Prostate Cancer UK representative & current manager of Southend United
• Dean Cox – over 230 appearances for Leyton Orient
• Ian Pearce – 142 appearances for West Ham United
• Charlie Daniels – Current Bournemouth AFC defender, ex-Leyton Orient
• Paul Konchesky – Former England International, played for Tottenham and Liverpool
• Mark Wright – Winner of the Apprentice UK
• DJ Spoony – British Garage DJ and former BBC Radio 1 presenter
• Jeff Brazier – Television presenter
• Kano – English Rapper and Actor

McKellar, a prostate cancer survivor himself, is keen that Leyton Orient’s Matchroom Stadium is fully seated at the big day. He told the British newspaper The Voice :

 “It will be a fabulous day and I hope that thousands descend on the Matchroom Stadium to support.

“There will be some star names in the house. It will be a competitive fixture, I know Martin will have some decent players in his squad.

“I will have surprises for him and I’m getting a commitment from key players and celebrities – who might not play – but will endorse the whole occasion.”

Errol McKellar & Martin Ling

Errol McKellar is an auto mechanic and prostate cancer survivor who has gone above and beyond to raise awareness and save men’s lives. Besides representing Prostate Cancer UK, a charity dedicated to researching and raising awareness of prostate cancer, and talking to countless newspapers and TV programmes about his experience, Errol offers discounts at his repair shop to men who talk to their GPs about their risk and screening options. As a direct result, 26 men have been diagnosed earlier.

“My connection with prostate cancer started in 2010. My doctor sat me down and said my prostate was covered in cancer.

“I ran out of the room, went and sat in the car and I think the word ‘cancer’ hit me then. I just burst into tears. “Fortunately my cancer was picked up early so now I’m determined to raise awareness of the disease. Prostate cancer knocked me down, it didn’t knock me out.”

Martin Ling is the current Director of Football and ex-manager of Leyton Orient, who had achieved great success leading the club, particularly in guiding Orient to automatic promotion to League One. Martin and his side will represent MIND Hertfordshire, a charity that delivers essential mental health support in Hertfordshire and aims to create opportunities for individuals experiencing mental ill health to make choices, find their solutions, build resilience and manage their whole life and well-being.