A charity U18 football tournament is being held this month to help raise £5,000 for a local young footballer who was suddenly diagnosed with leukaemia in January. International Forwarding (IFL) is sponsoring the charity cup final and will present the IFL Cup to the winners. You can also pledge your support below.
Jordan’s story
Jordan Grainger, 18, from Chelmsley Wood, was initially treated for tonsillitis on Boxing Day last year. Two weeks later as his condition worsened, he received the devastating news that he had acute myeloid leukaemia (AML) – a rare blood cancer that affects only 3,100 people in the UK each year.
After undergoing intensive chemotherapy, he spent six weeks at Birmingham’s QE Hospital – turning 18 there. Jordan has since been told that he needs a bone marrow transplant and is now waiting for a donor match to be found.
Football fundraiser
The Play 4 Jordan tournament is being organised by Jordan’s old football club, Arden Forest FC where he played for four years. It will be held on Saturday 11 June, from 12 to 2.30pm at Tudor Grange Academy in Solihull.
Arden Forest chairman and tournament organiser Wayne Brownhill says: “All the proceeds from the tournament will go to supporting the family during these dark times and to help them financially as they put their entire life on hold, as they give everything to support Jordan.”
As well as Arden Forest, Jordan also played for local clubs Bromford Lions and Kingshurst. The charity event brings together his old team and seven other clubs with both a trophy and a cup up for grabs. IFL is the cup final sponsor and will present the cup to the winners. Birmingham Live will also cover the day on a live stream.
IFL director Andy Grubb says: “We didn’t hesitate when we saw the call out for sponsors. We were very happy to sponsor the Play 4 Jordan cup final. Not only is this a local cause but it’s a very worthy one. Cancer touches us all – and we wish Jordan and his family the very best over the next few months.”
How you can help
Jordan’s aunt Nicola Middleton has set up a GoFundMe page to raise funds to support the whole family through the next three-to-six months. At time of writing, £3,810 has been raised towards a £5,000 goal.
Click here to donate: https://www.gofundme.com/f/fundraising-for-jordan
Please quote Play4Jordan when donating.
Nicola says: “They are a family who have always been there for everyone else and I’m hoping now that everyone will help them out in this time of need. Jordan and his family are on an unthinkable journey. So, please, anyone who can help, no matter how small, this is when they need it the most.”
