15 Aug 2025 Community

Oliver Watson’s Fourth Charity Football Match Raises £5,000 for The Kirkwood

Liversedge, 6th July 2025, a big win on the pitch and an even bigger win for the community marked Oliver Watson’s fourth annual charity football match in support of The Kirkwood. 

Playing at Liversedge FC, The Kirkwood FC celebrated their first-ever victory with a 6–3 triumph over Priestley FC as the match raised another £5,000 for the charity. This latest total pushes Oliver's overall fundraising since 2021 past the £21,000 mark.

“The day went as we always plan very good,” Oliver said after the match. “Another massive turnout of supporters once again coming down and helping out and doing their bit. We even got our first win for The Kirkwood FC coming out on top with a 6–3 victory over Priestley FC. The total amount raised on the day was £5,000, which brings our total to £21,000 over the last three years.”

For Oliver, the event is deeply personal. He began hosting the matches in memory of his mum, Suzanne, who received end of life care with The Kirkwood in 2021.

“These events that I host give me some sort of glimmer of hope that I am helping other people get better,” he explained. “It does involve a lot of enthusiasm but also a lot of grit and determination. These events are planned months ahead of the day, causing a lot of stress, haha but the day always makes up for it. I can’t thank everyone enough for the backing I get, and I mean everyone, even those who don’t think they are helping, they are.”

This year’s match carried even greater significance due to The Kirkwood’s financial struggles.

“The charity this year has been massively disrupted because of our lack of backing from the government,” Oliver said. “This hasn’t been easy for the people involved with The Kirkwood, with people losing their jobs or having to make massive pay cuts. It shouldn’t be happening when these people are helping poorly people and making their last days better. 

“The Kirkwood staff are amazing, I had my experience down there when my mum was being taken care of. I couldn’t thank the staff enough! That’s another reason why this year’s charity match was special because I feel like when we do these events we are really stepping up for The Kirkwood in a huge way.”

Oliver was keen to thank the many people and groups who make the match possible each year.

“I would like to thank my amazing family and friends and the wider public who turn up on the day and help raise this money. Even those who can’t make it who still donate what they can. I’d like to thank all of my volunteers who kindly come to help out on stalls around the ground. 

“I’d like to thank my team for turning up once again and getting that win! I’d like to thank the Priestleys for taking yet another day up to come and join in the party with us over the last three years. 

“I’d like to thank Liversedge FC for hosting the event again for the second year running, Sharron and Steve especially. I’d like to give a massive shout out to my dad Ian and Paul Cutler for making massive amounts of money for the charity event. And most importantly to my girlfriend Nicole Eaton who’s stuck beside me all the way from the planning beforehand to the very last second of the day. She knows how stressed I get and how some things get to me regarding the planning but always guides me in the right direction.”

The Kirkwood’s Community Fundraiser, Judith Ambler, praised Oliver’s commitment and the community’s support:

She said: “We are deeply moved by Oliver’s continued dedication and the community’s unwavering support. Events like this not only raise vital funds but also shine a light on the compassion and solidarity that sustain our hospice. Every pound raised brings us closer to ensuring that The Kirkwood can continue delivering care with dignity and comfort.”

Oliver says he is “the proudest man on the earth” when it comes to raising money for the charity.

He said: “I have my reasons for why I do these events but that doesn’t matter,” he said. “I’m so invested in doing these things now, it is and will always be part of me. I enjoy it and it makes me feel like I’m doing a good thing. Regardless of the amount of money, whether it’s £100 or £6,000, it all helps. I’m just fortunate because of the people I have around me and the wider community who help so much that I am hitting the bigger figures. I don’t walk away from these numbers and think ‘I’ve done this all on my own’ I definitely haven’t. Everyone who is involved has done this.”

As the final whistle blew on Sunday, the crowd knew it wasn’t just a football match, it was proof of what can be achieved when determination, community spirit, and a cause close to the heart come together. And for The Kirkwood, it means more patients and families will receive the care, comfort, and dignity they deserve.