Football coach for Felling Magpies under 11’s, Bowman Coates has raised an amazing £1,300 for the chemo day unit at Gateshead Health NHS Foundation Trust.
With the support of friends, family and coaches at the club, Bowman organised a charity football match made up of coaches, legacy players and parents of the children who play for Felling Magpies.
The Felling Magpies played against Washington Unit who played in NHS strips to support the event. Despite the intense heat on the day, both teams gave it their all, however, there was only one team victorious winning 14-4 and that was the Felling Magpies.
The money raised will be used to support patients who attend the chemo day unit based at the QE Hospital to say thank you for the care Bowman’s mother received during her treatment on the unit.
Bowman Coates said “My mam was scared following her diagnosis and extremely anxious about starting treatment, which was also a worrying time for our family.
“The staff from the Chemo Day Unit were so supportive and caring, they really did go above and beyond in supporting my mam. I just wanted to give something back, as I cannot thank them enough for looking after her so well.”
Kathleen thanked and congratulated her son on his amazing achievement bringing together so many people to support him in reaching his goal.
Kathleen also wanted to thank all the staff who supported and cared for her during her treatment. She explained that every single member of staff she had contact with on the unit was truly amazing.
Clare Drummond, Charitable Funds Manager, said “A huge thank you to Bowman and all the players who supported him in making the game such a success.
“An even bigger thank you to the children who coached on the day, loved the role reversal and shouting at their coaches and then throwing soaked sponges at them at the end of the match.
“On behalf of our charity and all the staff on the Chemo Day Unit, many of whom had a great day watching the match, I would like to wish Kathleen the very best for her recovery.
“Bowman is not stopping there, he will be continuing his fundraising efforts and is looking for your support to help him reach his £2,000 target. More details about his summer party will be announced soon.”
Thank you to Bowman and the teams involved and well done to the Felling Magpies for their win.
