A Corsham footballer is organising a charity match to support Kidney Research UK, before running the London Marathon next year.

Former Corsham Town captain Craig Gingell will play for Corsham Centre Legends against Neston 81 Legends at 11am on Sunday, October 23.

He has organised the match, which will feature former players from the two sides, in preparation for running the London Marathon to support his cousin Kim Coulson, 45, who has chronic kidney disease.

Mr Gingell, 28, who is now the player-manager of Box Rovers, said: “I’m really looking forward to the match and helping to raise awareness of the disease and the charities that support it.

“This is something I am very passionate about because of Kim’s fight against the disease.”

The match, at The Rec in Corsham, where Corsham Centre used to play, will be free to watch and will be followed by fundraising events.

A raffle, with prizes including a signed MK Dons football and a signed autobiography by former Tottenham player John Gorman, will be held at Corsham Community Centre, in Beechfield Road.

Mr Gingell, of Bences Lane, said: “All the money raised from the raffle will be going towards my grand total for the London Marathon. To enter, you have to donate £1,800 to your chosen charity but I’d like to raise around £2,000. I’m really grateful to everyone that has supported me so far and donated prizes for the raffle.

“I’m also looking forward to the match, as it will be a great laugh and a good opportunity to see some old friends.”

Mr Gingell said he would be happy to hear from businesses who would like to donate prizes for the raffle, and there will be darts and pool tournaments on the day.

James Whitehead, a friend of Mr Gingell, is helping to organise the event and writing the match programmes.

Mr Whitehead said: “It’s been a lot of hard work, but I’m really proud to be helping Craig raise some money.”

A previous fundraising event for Kidney Research UK saw Mr Gingell taking part in a triathlon earlier this year. For more info or to donate raffle prizes, call Craig Gingell on 07846 360696 or James Whitehead on 07584 359501.