Blackpool fundraisers for England football ace Jamie

Fourteen-year-old defender Jamie Oakey has been named in the squad of 12 boys to represent the country in Rome in July.

And two social events have been arranged in Blackpool to raise funds for Jamie’s dream trip.

The England team is supported by the England Amputee Football Association, a registered charity, and the European Amputee Football Federation (EAFF).

However, funding limitations mean the players’ families are striving to raise an additional £5,000 to meet travel and kit costs.

The first fundraising night takes place at The Guards Club on Whitegate Drive this Saturday from 7pm.

Any donations for the tombola, auction and raffle would be greatly appreciated.

Jamie’s mother Elaine Oakey said: “The lads are amputees for various reasons, whether it be a birth defect, cancer or serious accident. They are truly remarkable and nothing holds these kids back.

“Football has given them a chance to live and enjoy life again. They have overcome so much and to be chosen to represent England in Italy really is a dream come true.

“Any surplus money raised will help to send a team to the Amputee World Cup in Mexico in October.”

Items donated for Saturday’s social event include signed Liverpool and Everton shirts and signed memorabilia from Robert Lewandowski and Martina Navratilova.

Another top prize to be won will be a guided tour of the BT Sport studios.

More raffle prizes for this weekend’s event are still welcome can be left at The Guards Club or call Elaine on 07976 609076 to arrange drop-off.

Jamie was born prematurely and without a foot following a serious accident which left Elaine in a coma for several weeks.

A further fun day will also take place at the No4 pub on Layton Road, Blackpool, on Saturday May 12. This all-day event will include music, raffle, bouncy castle, candy cart, auction and tombola.

For further information or to make a donation, please visit: https://www.gofundme.com/for-the-england-junior-amputees