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UTILITA ENERGY STADIUM TO 'SPARKLE FOR AXL' AGANST SALFORD

4 December 2019

Club News

UTILITA ENERGY STADIUM TO 'SPARKLE FOR AXL' AGANST SALFORD

4 December 2019

City will support the Sparkle for Axl campaign during this month's Sky Bet League Two visit of Salford City (December 21).

The 3.00pm encounter - which will also help raise funds for the Bradford Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust - will see the Utilita Energy Stadium 'Sparkle for Axl'.

When the players take to the field - later this month - supporters are asked to hold torches aloft in memory of Axl Walker.

Axl was a much-loved patient at Bradford Royal Infirmary and who passed away from a rare blood disorder, last year, three days before his third birthday.

Axl's older brother, Lucas, will appear as a mascot for the Bantams' meeting with the Moor Lane outfit and will walk out with the players to see City's home lit up.

Lucas, a big supporter of Gary Bowyer's side was invited to the club's Woodhouse Grove training base, last week, to meet with goalkeeper Richard O’Donnell and help launch the appeal.

Staff across the Bradford Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust will wear something sparkly on Sparkle for Axl day on Friday December 13 and trim up their wards and offices with sparkly decorations to raise money for the initiative.

Businesses, schools and organisations across the district are also urged to sign up to spread awareness for Sparkle for Axl and raise money for toys and play equipment for young patients treated in the hospitals, throughout the year.

Hayley Collis, head of fundraising for Bradford Hospitals’ Charity, said: "This is a fun Christmas fundraising appeal in memory of a very special little boy. 

"Axl melted the hearts of all our staff who cared for him and it means a lot to us that we can provide toys to future patients in his memory.

"We are really excited to see everyone sparkle on Friday 13 December, but it will also be very poignant for us, as we remember Axl.

"Please do what you can to sparkle – whether it is wearing a sparkly jumper, socks or even sparkly earrings – we cannot wait to see Bradford sparkle!"
 
Claire Walker, Axl’s mum, said: "It means a lot to our family to keep Axl’s memory alive and to raise money to help other children in hospital. 
 
"We would love to see the Sparkle for Axl day become an annual Christmas fundraising event in Bradford, with everyone supporting their local NHS charity and children in their home city."
 

City's director of communications, Ryan Sparks, said: "We are proud to be working with the Bradford Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, as one of our official charity partners for this season.

"As part of this season’s initiative, we are able to support the Sparkle For Axl campaign and the fantastic work the initiative does to help bring festive cheer to youngsters at Christmas.
 
"We urge supporters to back Sparkle for Axl as much as possible, against Salford, to make the occassion a memorable one for Axl's loved ones."
 
For more information about the Sparkle for Axl campaign, please CLICK HERE where you can also register your interest in taking part.
 
To make a donation to the appeal, CLICK HERE. 

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