22 Jul 2025 Patient and Family Stories

Match 4 Heroes: A Legacy of Courage, Community and Care

On Sunday 27th July 2025, the Skye Direct Stadium in Golcar will once again become a hub of emotion, celebration, and remembrance as Match 4 Heroes returns for its fourth year. More than just a football match, the event is a powerful tribute to two fallen soldiers, Sergeant Gareth Thursby and Private Thomas Wroe and this year, it carries an added layer of significance through its support of The Kirkwood, which cared for another much-missed veteran, loving husband, dad and grandad Mick Wroe.

The inaugural Match 4 Heroes had modest beginnings. “It first started because we wanted to raise some money for a bench for Gareth and Tom at the Arboretum,” explains Caroline Thursby, Gareth’s mum. “That’s how it started. We had a conversation with somebody who suggested to do a football match, my friend Jonathan Horseman will sort it out.’”

From that initial idea, the event quickly grew beyond expectations. “We knew there was going to be a lot more money raised than just to build a bench,” Caroline adds. “So we had to find a charity to give it to.”

Since then, the match has evolved into an annual community celebration that raises money for causes close to the families’ hearts. “We don’t tend to give to big charities.” says Caroline. “We tend to pick a couple of smaller local charities.”

Both Tom and Gareth served in the 3rd Battalion, The Yorkshire Regiment (3 YORKS) and tragically lost their lives together in Helmand Province, Afghanistan on 15th September 2012. Tom was just 18; Gareth was 29.

“Tom was the same as Gareth he knew he wanted to be a soldier, following in his dad’s footsteps,” says Claire Wroe, Tom’s mum. “He worked hard at school to get the results, then went straight to the Army Foundation College, made Junior Sergeant, and joined the Yorkshire Regiment which he wanted to do. I was very proud.”

Caroline remembers how Gareth, too, had a singular vision from childhood. “He told me when he was five years old that he was going to be a soldier and he did. He loved it, it was his life.”

Their connection wasn’t just one of shared ambition it was professional, too. “Gareth was actually Tom’s Sergeant,” Caroline recalls. “They were in the same company together when they got killed.”

The tragedy forged a lasting bond between the two families. “We’ve sort of got drawn together 13 years ago and I just think of them as family,” Caroline says.

This year’s match also pays tribute to Mick Wroe, Tom’s dad and Claire’s husband, who sadly passed away earlier this year after a battle with oesophageal cancer. A career soldier who served 22 years in the Army and retired as a Sergeant, Mick was deeply respected by those around him.

“Mick was so strong. From the beginning.” Claire reflects. “That’s why everyone leaned on him even though he was going through it too. He always put everybody else first.”

During his final weeks, Mick was cared for by The Kirkwood, an experience Claire describes with deep gratitude. “The care was amazing. Absolutely amazing. The place is just so peaceful from the doctors to the cleaners.”

She adds, “We had a lead nurse looking after us at home. She came out weekly or more if needed to review Mick’s pain meds. She was outstanding too.”

It’s for this reason that 50% of all proceeds from this year’s Match 4 Heroes will be donated to The Kirkwood, helping them continue to provide end-of-life care to others.

“This is why we all agreed we wanted something for Mick this year. It’s been a massive loss to all of us,” Claire says. “It makes me feel very proud to know money will be going to help people like Mick. He would have wanted that for others to be helped.”

Set to kick off at 11 AM on Sunday 27th July, Match 4 Heroes 6 features two exciting legends matches. Huddersfield Town Legends vs Army Legends, and Golcar United Legends vs Meltham Legends. The day also includes stalls, rides, food, a bar, and entertainment for all ages. Entry is just £5, and children under 12 go free.

Despite the joyful atmosphere, the day remains a deeply emotional one for the families involved. “It’s very overwhelming,” Claire admits. “Sometimes we have to sneak off for a bit of time out. This year, it’s going to be really emotional.” Caroline agrees. “We all leaned on Mick. I leaned on him a lot.”

From a simple idea about a memorial bench to a major community fundraiser that honours the past while caring for the present, Match 4 Heroes has become a vital part of the local calendar.

What started with grief and remembrance has grown into a celebration of legacy, family, and togetherness. And with part of the proceeds now going to The Kirkwood, the event comes full circle supporting the very people who support us when we need it most.

Match 4 Heroes 4

Sunday, 27 July 2025

Gates open at 11:00 AM

Skye Direct Stadium, Longfield Avenue, Golcar, HD7 4BT

 £5 entry | Under 12s go free

Proceeds benefit:

The Kirkwood

Honour Our Armed Forces

Buy your tickets HERE!