Storks start with charity clash

Evo-Stik Northern Premier League newcomers Padiham FC are looking forward to kicking off their pre-season campaign by competing in a new charity cup.

The promoted Storks, champions of the North West Counties League, are heading to West Lancashire League outfit Garstang on Wednesday night to play in the Adam Swannick Memorial Trophy and raise money for a new charity, The Adam Appeal.

The charity was set up by the family of the 28-year-old who collapsed and died last September following a sudden heart attack three weeks before he was due to get married. Funds raised from a planned bucket collection during the game will help the charity buy defibrillators and other live-saving equipment for schools, colleges and youth groups.

Storks manager Steve Wilkes helped organise the new annual event which kicks off at 7pm and is free to fans after hearing about it through a colleague at the Royal Mail where he works when not plotting their assault on next season’s First Division North campaign.

Wilkes, the manager at the Garstang Delivery Office, said: "I am privileged and honoured to be bringing my newly promoted team to Garstang to try and raise funds for ‘The Adam Appeal’. I know with working in Garstang how much of a shock it was when Adam passed away last September and how it hit the community really hard.

"If Padiham Football Club can help in any way to promote and help bring people’s attention to this appeal, then we certainly will do. I’m looking forward to the game as we get our pre-season going and what better way to start than by helping such a good cause."

Padiham follow Wednesday’s warm-up with games against Euxton Villa, Longridge Utd, Burnley, Witton Albion and Skelmersdale United. To view hundreds of friendlies involving NPL clubs visit the fixtures page under the ‘Match Info’ tab on the website's home page.