A HOST of soap stars are coming to Northwich next month to take part in a celebrity football match.

The game is taking place to raise funds for a charity set up in memory of Matilda Cosgrove, who was tragically stillborn just over a year ago.

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Her parents, Mark and Stacie, wanted to do something for the children being treated at Alder Hey, and after raising funds to buy Christmas presents, wanted to turn that into a permanent legacy.

The Matilda Foundation has been launched to do just that and the celebrity game at Witton Albion's ground will mark the launch, with a family fun day also part of the plans.

The idea to hold a celebrity football match came from Matt Greenway, whose mother-in-law works with Stacie and after hearing about the couple's story, wanted to do something to help.

He said: "I heard about the story and I just wanted to get involved in whatever way I could.

"I've held football events in the past so it was something I had some experience in doing.

"That was for the Winsford Disability football group and it was one of those things where I thought, if it was a success then, why not again?

"The response so far has been really positive, with plenty of local businesses getting involved and showing their support."

The format of the match will see Matilda Foundation FC take on celebrity team, The Phoenix (Supporting Charities FC) that will feature stars from Hollyoaks and Emmerdale, as well as ex-pro's, with the action taking place on September 5 at 3pm.

"It was originally just going to be a charity game," Matt added.

"But when I sat down with Stacie and Mark, we ran all these ideas passed each other so the whole thing has turned more into a family fun day now.

"So the ground will open at about 12noon and there will be all kinds of activities for children, including bouncy castles, face painting and balloon artists, as we want to keep them entertained to.

"The game itself will see Matilda Foundation FC take on Supporting Charities FC.

"They've got a number of celebrities and ex-pro's who play for them.

"So we've got a faces from Emmerdale, Hollyoaks as well as ex-pro's like David Norris.

"As for Matilda Foundation FC, we're made up of various lads I've played football with over the years and also Mark's dad's going to be playing too."

There is another game planned for October, where it is hoped the likes of James Arthur could well be involved.

For now though, tickets for the launch game can be purchased via the Matilda Foundation's Facebook page, but can be bought on the day at the ground's turnstiles.

Tickets cost £5 for adults and £2.50 for all those under 16.