A charity football match has raised £250 for a severely ill teenager from Salford.
17-year-old Emily James has been living with the rare genetic illness Ehlers Danlos Syndrome since the age of 11.
After scores of operations, even the hard working doctors and nurses on the NHS can do little more to help.
To raise awareness about Emily’s condition, organiser Jane Gregory used the sad occasion of the anniversary of two well-loved Salford men who passed away last year to put on a charity football match at Barrhill JFC in Irlams o’th Height.
Jane’s brother David Broome, 26, was tragically killed in a car accident in North Wales in October 2014, while dad Scott Harrison sadly died after suffering a heart attack at last year’s charity event.
Speaking to SalfordOnline.com, Jane said: “The football match went fantastic.
“My brother’s gone, Scott’s gone and it’s lovely to remember them but it’s about trying to raise awareness really for this young girl who’s in a lot of pain.”
Emily’s condition, which is currently incurable, causes severe dislocation problems and chronic pain.
The teenager underwent a staggering 17 operations in 12 months, including to have her gallbladder and appendix removed, and an operation to graft part of her hip into her jaw to stop it from dislocating.
She also featured in a Channel 5 documentary about seriously ill children being treated at Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital.
Earlier this year family and friends of Emily James raised over £2,500 after taking part in a sponsored head shave.
Also taking part in the charity match were Jane’s children, twins Becky and Norman Gregory.
Becky, who plays for Manchester United women’s academy was the only woman to show off her silky skills in the otherwise all-male match.
“Her brother Norman was severely injured in the car crash,” said Jane, “and despite not being fully recovered he was able to stand in goal for the charity match on Sunday.
“This time last year my son was still in a coma in Salford Royal Hospital and he couldn’t walk, he had both legs in plaster.
“For him to be able to do what he’s done is an amazing thing, especially as Becky’s football mad.”
If you want to donate to Emily’s family you can do so at this GoFundMe page.
