Newark footballers unite to host fun day at Devon Park and nearby pub Spring House to raise funds for Lee Boddy

The football community will unite in support of one of their own on Sunday.

More than 80 footballers will share the pitch to show support for Lee Boddy, who has been diagnosed with a brain tumour.

They are taking part in a football tournament and fun day on Devon Park, Newark, to raise money to support the father of four through his treatment.

Eloise Boddy, his niece, who helped organise the event with Lee’s friend Neil Reilly, said the support had been fantastic.

“Everybody has been so supportive of the fun day. People and businesses who don’t know Lee have donated to the raffle,” she said.

“The support has been unbelievable.”

Lee, 50, who lives with his partner Joanne Redfern and has three daughters and a son, first suffered symptoms six weeks ago while at work. He is expecting further news of his diagnosis tomorrow.

Eloise initially planned to organise a raffle for Lee with the help of Sally Cummings and Eleanor McGuiness, but when Neil came on board they decided to make it a much bigger event.

Neil said he was overwhelmed by the number of people who came forward to show their support for the event.

“I have known Lee all my life, we grew up on the Hawtonville estate together,” said Neil.

“He is a very popular man in Newark and he is well known through football.

“A lot of lads wanted to do something to help, so we decided on a football tournament — it just made sense.

“Everybody thinks the world of him, and it shows.

“He is obviously having time off work so people want to support him in whatever way they can.”

Everyone taking part in the tournament has donated £10.

They will be split into four teams and two 80-minute matches will be played. The two winning teams will have a penalty shoot-out for the trophy.

There will be also be a bouncy castle, food stalls and tombola, while a live singer, raffle and sponsored head shave station will provide the entertainment afterwards at the nearby Spring House pub.

The event starts at noon, with the football taking place from 12.30pm.

Eloise thanked all of the local businesses who had donated raffle prizes, and gave a special mention to Rototek, Lee’s employers, who donated £100-worth of prizes.

She also thanked his colleague, Carl, who safely returned Lee home from work and called an ambulance when he first fell ill.

Eloise and the Boddy family will also take on a sponsored 100-mile walk throughout May to raise money for the Brain Tumour Charity.

To donate, go to https://www.gofundme.com/f/walking-100-miles-in-may