Charity football match for Evesham boy battling cancer

Josh Asbury, from Evesham, was diagnosed with T-lymphoblastic leukemia/lymphoma in November, with doctors initially suspecting it to be the aftereffects of Covid, which he had caught in September.

Now, Josh’s football club, Badsey Rangers, has announced it will host a charity match to raise money for him and his family.

Wayne Neale, chairman at Badsey Rangers, said: “Josh is a very well-liked player by his coaches and fellow teammates and once we heard of his illness we felt we needed to something to support him and his family.

“As a football club we are looking to raise as much money for Josh and his family and what better way than to do what we know best.

“We are a long-standing club of 130 years plus that takes pride in bringing on youth players such as Josh and many other players.”

Poster for the Asbury Cup

What was initially set up as a simple football match has now spiralled into a full day and night of family fun.

Hosted at Wickhamford Sports Club, the event will also involve a disco, food, inflatable foot darts, a bouncy castle, face painting and a raffle featuring a £100 cash prize.

Josh’s dad, Andy Asbury, couldn’t be happier with the support shown by the club.

He said: “I think it’s just absolutely amazing, the kindness of the football team and the people organising it, that the “Team” spirit doesn’t stop at the pitch.

“They have arranged a fantastic day all in aid of Josh, and he is excited for this day and his aim to get out of hospital for it so he can attend!

“He is really missing his football, the team, and his school friends, and we’re hoping he will see many on the day!”

Josh began chemotherapy on November 20, and treatment is expected to last three and a half years.

He has spent the last five weeks in hospital, but dad Andy is optimistic he will be able to return home soon.

The fun begins at 1pm on Saturday, April 2, with tickets costing £5.

To find out more about the Asbury Cup, visit the event's Facebook page here.