A Match for James: Southend United Supporters Rally for Ex-Player's Rehabilitation
Clubs and fans across the nation join forces to support James Walker
The Shrimpers Trust, a Southend United Supporters group, have organized a charity game called "A Match for James."
The event aims to raise funds for James Walker, a former Southend United player who suffered a devastating brain injury.
James Walker, who played as a striker for Southend United from 2008 to 2010, experienced a cardiac arrest in 2019 at the age of 31. Despite being in a coma for 15 days and flatlined for 30 minutes, he defied the odds and survived.
However, the incident left him with severe physical and mental impairments. While he has made progress with the support of his family and local carers, James still has a long way to go in his recovery. His love for football remains, even though he struggles to recall many details about the game.
The primary objective of "A Match for James" is to raise funds to assist James's mother, Dawn, in providing the 24-hour care he requires. Currently, James receives therapy sessions funded either by the family or the local authority. However, additional therapy sessions are needed to facilitate further progress in his rehabilitation journey. These sessions play a crucial role in retraining his brain, allowing him to regain lost abilities and improve his overall quality of life.
Andrew Leeder, a board member of the Shrimpers Trust and head of the Southend United Ex-Players Association, spearheads the organization of the charity game. 'Andy' has been working tirelessly to ensure the event's success. Organizing such an undertaking involves various challenges, including securing public liability insurance, arranging first aid services, and assembling a team of players.
""We've helped out a few players from time to time and one came to our attention last year", said Andy...
"The aim of our fundraising is to raise as much money as we can to help fund extra therapy sessions, which will help ultimately try and rewire his brain and make him progress."
"Lots of people are making a great effort to be there and make it a good occasion, not only to raise funds but also to make it a good experience for everybody, in particular, James."
"Getting the players is certainly a challenge, and not all of them will reply. But lots of people have really put themselves out."
Fortunately, the trust has received immense support from former Southend United manager Steve Tilson, who helped assemble a Southern United Legends team for the game. The team consists of 20 former players, some of whom have travelled long distances to participate. Andy says their collective efforts demonstrate the deep bonds formed through their shared love for the club and their desire to support James.
"We've been fortunate. We've also got through the ex-players group and the Shrimpers Trust an excellent online presence, so we've been able to appeal for help there."
Undoubtedly, the highlight of the event will be James's presence on the pitch, accompanied by his carers and his mother. Before kick-off, James will take centre stage as his mother guides him to officially start the game.
Through the combined efforts of local companies, sponsors, and enthusiastic fans, "A Match for James" has already raised over £10,000. This sum will go a long way in funding additional therapy sessions critical to James's rehabilitation. The organizers hope to continue raising funds during the match and beyond, aiming to support James's ongoing care and provide him with the best opportunities for recovery.
"One thing I should add is that one of James's former teammates... called Damian Scandal, who actually helped us get in touch with the family."
"Damian is running an ultra-marathon... from Charlton's ground, and Charlton was where it all started for him."
The outpouring of support for James extends beyond the Shrimpers Trust. Leyton Orient FC has shown a public interest in contributing to the cause, and East Thurrock has launched Twitter campaigns to engage James's former clubs and their fans. Many of these clubs, such as Yeovil and Woking, have donated generously, recognizing the importance of standing united in times of adversity. Additionally, the connection between James and Tottenham Hotspur star Harry Kane has created significant interest, with Kane donating a signed shirt to support the cause.
"We hope, certainly, for a few hundred fans... Tickets are just £5 for adults and two pounds for under sixteens."
"We hope to raise much more because we have all match receipts on top of that... tickets are available on the gate."
To contribute to James's cause, visit the Shrimpers Trust website and navigate to the ex-players association section to find the donate facility.