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Chairty Memorial Football Match for Garden House Hospice

Local News by Roger Levett 24th Mar 2025  
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Hitchin Town FC are set to host a charity match in honour of a lifelong football fan who passed away last year - with a former Arsenal star among those expected to play & incredible raffle prizes to be won!!

David Levett passed away at the age of 93, with his son Roger organising a match to be played at Top Field on Sunday, April 6, to remember his father and raise money for Garden House Hospice.

Sixty-six players, made up mostly of family and friends of all ages, are expected to play in the match - which kicks off at 1.30pm and is free to enter - with Hitchin-born Ex-Arsenal and England midfielder Jack Wilshere among those set to be involved.

Hitchin DJ John Lock will kick things off with live music from 12.30pm, while comedians Mark O'Sullivan and Anna Morris will provide live commentary over the PA system to bring some light-hearted fun to the game followed by the Raffle draw at around 3.45pm, with prizes including signed AFC and Fulham First Team shirts.

Roger - who lives in Hitchin - brought his father to watch a few games at Hitchin Town. It just so happened that they were playing Arsenal's U18 side in a friendly in August last year," Jack Wilshere was Arsenal U18 manager at the time

Following his dad's passing, Roger put his charity match plans into action with the help of Roy Izzard, Hitchin Town's club secretary and treasurer, Roger was given free access to Top Field to host the match and Arsenal FC and offered to send through some memorabilia that we could raffle off at the charity match, and a few days later a huge big box of signed Arsenal and Fulham shirts - because they knew of dad's connection with the clubs.

"Arsenal even created a personal programme to remember dad and we got a letter from manager Mikel Arteta, sending us best wishes and thanking dad for his lifetime of support. It was overwhelming to be sent all this stuff and it's the sort of kindness you don't really expect."

Roger decided to support Garden House Hospice after it provided care for his father in his final days, saying: "Dad spent his last few days at Garden House Hospice, and what they gave me the chance to do was to be a son again, and gave Dad the chance to be a husband and a father again. The work they do is so impactful and I can really see the value they bring. I felt like I wanted to do something for them to give back and this is my way of doing it."

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Roger believes the charity match is a fitting way to finish his father's story, although he thinks David would be "quite embarrassed" to have this put on for him.

Roger stated, "My family and I want to warmly thank Hitchin Town, Arsenal, our wonderful private donors and the Garden House Hospice for their kindness and support which shows the very best sport and community can offer."

Raffle tickets are just £1 each, ALL PROCEEDS going to the Hospice - with free tickets for bundles of x10 or more, just visit;

raffall.com/379154/enter-raffle-to-win-from-multiple-great-prizes-hosted-by-roger-levett

Alternatively, you can use the QR code as attached.

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