A CHARITY football match was held at Prudhoe Town Football Club to fundraise for a young boy from Newcastle. 

Prudhoe Town FC hosted the fundraising match on Friday, March 11 to raise money for Zachary Pearey, a young boy from Newcastle.

Zac, three, was diagnosed with an "embryonal tumour with multilayered rosettes", which is a rare form of brain tumour, the week before Christmas. 

On average, only one in four diagnosed survive the brain tumour, and Zac has had successful neurosurgery on the tumour. He is now undergoing intensive radiotherapy and chemotherapy to destroy the tumour completely, which may still return.  

Chris Reynolds, a Prudhoe Town FC club member, pitched the idea of a fundraising match to help support Zac's family after reading about his devastating diagnosis.

He posted a statement after the match on Facebook which said: "So proud to be part of a fantastic community and football club. Too many people to tag, but you know who you are and I couldn't have done it without you all."

The match was between Prudhoe Town FC and Riding Mill FC, and saw old and new players return to the field. 

Players included Ben Alnwick, an ex-Sunderland and Tottenham Hotspur footballer, Geordie Shore personality Gary Beadle, and Newcastle professional boxer Steven Robinson. 

Businesses were encouraged to sign up to become a match sponsor, and local companies included PC Repairs, Thompson's of Prudhoe, Finstalls, Caffè Ginevra, ICR Consultants, and JPW Joinery.

An impressive total of £12,221 was raised through the match, which was all donated to Zac's Just Giving page, which now stands at £78,715. 

Chris said: "Sending lots of love and best wishes to Zac who is still over in Germany, you’ve got this Zac."

"There were 500 plus people watching the match and the fundraiser after the game was a massive success. The rain did not frighten people off," he added.

The fundraiser after the match involved a virtual race night, with people encouraged to donate raffle prizes and auction prizes. 

To donate to Zac's Just Giving page, go to https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/helpzacbeatcancer