Chatham Town will celebrate the work done by the Air Ambulance service in a rescheduled game against Hastings United tomorrow night.
An air ambulance was called to Chatham’s Bauvill Stadium in January when visiting Hastings fan Chris Taylor was taken ill. He sadly died days later.
That game was abandoned and there’s free entry to all supporters for the rescheduled game as the club make a show of gratitude to the efforts made by the emergency responders.
Chatham will be hoping those attending will make donations on the night to the Air Ambulance.
Manager and chairman Kevin Hake said: “The game is going to be free entry but please donate what you can to the Air Ambulance who do such a fantastic service, which we witnessed at the Bauvill recently.
“Their professionalism, speed, and dedication were nothing short of remarkable.
“In times of crisis, they are the real heroes and we owe them our utmost gratitude.
“As a club, we stand together in support of the incredible work they do.
“Your donations to this vital charity can help them continue to save lives when it matters most.”
Chatham issued a statement ahead of the Isthmian Premier Division game this week.
They said:“Football is a game that brings us together, but sometimes, moments happen that remind us just how fragile life can be.
“Despite the best efforts of the medical team, we lost a valued member of our footballing community.
“Our thoughts and deepest condolences go out to Chris Taylor’s family and loved ones during this incredibly difficult time.
“On Tuesday night we will take a moment to acknowledge the outstanding response from the medical staff, paramedics, and the Air Ambulance service.
“We’d like supporters to take this opportunity to stand together in support of the incredible work they do.
“Your donations to this vital charity can help them continue to save lives when it matters most.
“Every contribution, no matter how big or small, makes a difference.”
Following Mr Taylor’s death, Hastings posted a message of thanks to “both sets of supporters, the staff an officials at Chatham Town, the medical team, the doctors and nurses at the Royal London Hospital and the Air Ambulance who tried so hard to save his life.”
Tuesday night’s game kicks off at 7.45pm.
Chatham will be hoping that on the pitch their team can continue their good recent form, after a 4-1 win on Saturday against Cheshunt.
Kasim Aidoo scored the opener and Freddie Sears came off the bench to net twice while Jamie Yila also got on the scoresheet in the win.
That victory came after a 1-1 draw with high-flying Horsham last week.
Hake said: “It was nice to continue the good work we did at Horsham and follow up with a win.
“Cheshunt are an in-form team so we new we would have to be at our best to get something out the game.
“We played some good attacking football and were rightfully rewarded with four goals.
“It was the first of seven games in 21 days so it was vital we leaned on the squad on Saturday to share the load.
“We used all 16 players and all of them made a difference.
“We now look forward to the rearranged Hastings game at home.”
