The new owners of a Ruthin country estate are organising a football match to raise funds for a local schoolboy currently in hospital.
Aiden Jones, 8, from Denbigh, is being treated for Acute Myeloid Leukaemia at Alder Hey Hospital in Liverpool after falling ill a few weeks ago.
Andrew and Louisa Godfrey, who are restoring the historic Pool Park Estate in Ruthin over the next five years, are hosting a football match between Aiden’s school, Ysgol Bryn Clywd, and its Federated school this month.
Pupils from years 4, 5 and 6 at Ysgol Gellifor and Ysgol Bryn Clwyd, both in Denbighshire, will compete for the inaugural Pool Park Cup on July 17.
Andrew and Louisa’s son Hugo, who is a pupil at Ysgol Gellifor, will also play in the match.
Andrew Godfrey, Managing Director of the Godfrey Group, said: “When we heard that Aiden was poorly and being treated in hospital, we wanted to do something to help to show our support.
“We’re currently restoring the Estate and have temporarily transformed the Manor House’s former tennis court into a football pitch for the match.
“We’re looking forward to welcoming both teams for a friendly match and will be awarding the winners a special trophy with medals for the runners-up.”
Ben Lindquist, Headteacher of Ysgol Bryn Clywd and Ysgol Gellifor, said: “Aiden is receiving fantastic care in Alder Hey Hospital from all the doctors and nurses, alongside his mum and dad, Kate and Liam.
“We all think the world of him. He is showing tremendous spirit and resilience and as a school we could not be prouder of him. As a Federation we want to support the family in every way possible.
“Due to the nature of Aiden’s condition, it has been impossible for the family to continue to work due to his low immunity and risk of picking up any illnesses.
“Andrew and Louisa’s plan to host a football match between our two schools is a great idea and one that allows the children to collaborate. The fact that it also supports Aiden is a really kind and generous idea. Aiden’s parents have been very touched by all the support they are receiving.”
Last week, Ben had his head shaved by Aiden to help to raise money for Aiden’s Go Fund Me page. Ben will also be running a half marathon later this year and staff and children are planning a variety of fundraising activities and challenges. All money raised will go towards supporting Aiden and his family while he is undergoing care.
The school has also arranged an activity pack for Aiden while he is in hospital which includes a donation by Lego.
Pool Park Estate, which has a history dating back centuries, has close links to both schools and regularly invites children to explore its exciting past.
To donate, please visit Aiden’s Go Fund Me page here.
