Blackpool and Fleetwood Town fans asked to support vital services through #FLYTHEFLAG

When matches would normally be kicking off at 3pm this afternoon, supporters are invited to show their team colours by wearing their club gear and waving flags and scarves, then upload the photographs/videos to social media platforms using the hashtag #FLYTHEFLAG

Snack Media is the organisation behind the event, which hopes to raise money for for Age UK and NHS Charities Together in the battle against the coronavirus pandemic.

JPi Media, owners of The Gazette and Fleetwood Weekly News, is supporting the campaign.

Our NHS needs support to deal with the the growth in Covid-19 cases, which has become a global health crisis.

Age UK is a charity that looks to raise money for the elderly, in order to give them the best quality of life possible. They are working extremely hard to help many of the most vulnerable people during the pandemic.

The hope is that #FLYTHEFLAG will help to unite the football fanbase today and allow people to enjoy that precious community feeling.

The hope is also that as many people as possible who get involved will make a donation to NHS Charities Together of Age UK. You can donate to the charities by clicking here: https://bit.ly/FlyTheFlagAboutNiall Coen, CEO of Snack Media, said: “This is an incredibly difficult time for many people, so it’s important we come together and help those in need where we can.

“The NHS have done a tremendous job but it’s only going to get harder for them. It’s vital we support our health service as much as we can. Brave doctors, nurses, volunteers and more are putting themselves at risk to help those suffering and we couldn’t be more grateful, for without them this situation would be so much worse.

“Age UK are on the frontline as well, supporting the elderly through what is an extremely difficult time for them. Everyone must be looked after through this pandemic and Age UK’s work to fight coronavirus is one we’re eager to support.

“I urge everyone to wave their flags in solidarity and donate to the charities to help them in the fight against this outbreak.”