CELTIC FC Foundation are delighted to confirm that a magnificent total of £208,753 was raised through ‘A Match for Cancer’ and the dinner held the previous evening, ‘A Evening with Petrov and Milner’.

Sponsored by Dafabet and Laduma, the charity match held at Celtic Park on Saturday, September 8 saw Celtic legend, Stiliyan Petrov – who has bravely battled through Leukaemia since being diagnosed in 2012 – and Liverpool midfielder, James Milner pull together opposing squads from the worlds of football and entertainment.

Brendan Rodgers and his Liverpool counterpart, Jurgen Klopp took charge of the respective squads and both had an array of talent at their disposal.

The monies raised will now be devoted to tackling cancer through three equal beneficiary charities – Celtic FC Foundation, The Stiliyan Petrov Foundation and The James Milner Foundation.

Celtic FC Foundation and the Stiliyan Petrov Foundation will work with two cancer charity partners – Beatson Cancer Charity and the Schiehallion Ward through Glasgow Children’s Hospital Charity – to support cancer patients and their families.

Beatson Cancer Charity – the donation will support the transformation of relatives’ rooms to greatly improve the lives of thousands of patients and their loved ones, helping to make their last moments together more precious and meaningful. 

Glasgow Children’s Hospital Charity (GCHC) – the Schiehallion Ward – the donation will be devoted to the provision of patient and family treats, aiming to give young cancer patients and their families the opportunity to make special memories, throughout and after their treatment. Funds will enable families affected by a cancer diagnosis to make special memories, and to bring some joy and laughter, during the most harrowing of times.   

Through the Stiliyan Petrov Foundation, Celtic’s former No.19 will also support a number of individuals who are currently going through the cancer journey.

The James Milner Foundation – set up around the time of Stiliyan’s diagnosis – has Bloodwise, the charity that combats blood cancer, as one of its major beneficiaries.

Celtic FC Foundation Chief Executive, Tony Hamilton, said: “Enormous credit firstly to Stiliyan and James, who worked very hard on these events.

“The monies raised will make a significant difference to the lives of many people suffering from cancer and we are all very grateful to the Celtic supporters who made this happen. Once again they have shown that they are the best fans in the world.”

Stiliyan and Paulina Petrov added: “We never doubted that the Celtic Family would pull together to get behind such a vital cause. It’s one very close to our hearts and the love and support we received from the Celtic fans during our own cancer fight will live with us and the boys forever.

“Thanks so much to James, Brendan, Jurgen, every player who took part, Celtic FC Foundation, our two cancer charity partners and, most importantly, the fans for making it yet another beautiful example of compassion and generosity.

 “It was a wonderful weekend in Paradise back in September and we are so proud that such an incredible total has been raised to make a difference to those on their own cancer journeys.

“Once again, the Celtic supporters have made sure they will Never Walk Alone.”

James Milner said: “Everybody at the James Milner Foundation is delighted that A Match For Cancer raised such a significant amount of money for the beneficiary charities in the fight against cancer. I would like to thank Celtic for hosting us, the fans for turning out and supporting us and all the players, staff and volunteers for giving up their time to support such great causes.”

Maisie Hamilton, Beatson Cancer Charity’s Community Fundraising Manager, said: “Beatson Cancer Charity is so grateful to Celtic FC Foundation and the Stiliyan Petrov Foundation for allowing us to be involved in this fantastic opportunity.

“It was a fantastic event and this incredible donation will go towards making a real difference to patients and their families. We are so thankful for your support.”

Kirsten Sinclair, Chief Operating Officer for Glasgow Children’s Hospital Charity, added: “We would like to express our heartfelt thanks to everyone who supported A Match for Cancer. A phenomenal amount has been raised to support those affected by a cancer diagnosis.

“This generous donation will enable Glasgow Children’s Hospital Charity to provide the best care and experience possible to children receiving treatment and care at the children’s hospital in Glasgow, allowing them to make special memories with family and friends.”