This year’s match has so far raised over £3,400, adding to the total raised which now exceeds £33,000!

LasBootham Old Scholars took on Wiggington Grasshoppers under 19s in an exciting and close-fought match to raise funds for Candlelighters. The match was played in memory Peter Woodmansey, who sadly passed away aged just 17 in December 2020 from complications following a cancer diagnosis.  

His mum Alison said, “He was a popular and kind boy, who is missed by many. As a former Head Boy of Bootham School, Peter was a key member of the community and he excelled in all areas, most notably on the football pitch. Peter had a passion for football, playing for both the Bootham School first XI and Wigginton Grasshoppers, as well as being an avid York City fan. He would have thoroughly enjoyed the match, which saw Wiggington Grasshoppers coming from behind to win 2 – 1.” 

Peter’s friends, Freya Leaf and Charlotte Collinson, organised the match in his memory which is now in its third year. This year’s match has raised over £3,400 so far, adding to the total raised in Peter’s memory which now exceeds an incredible £33,000 to support Candlelighters! We provided support to Peter and his family during his treatment and after his passing. We are so grateful that Peter’s family has now set up a special fundraising group called Team Peter to raise money for Candlelighters in his memory and to help provide a better future for children diagnosed with cancer. 

Alison told us, “from this year all the money raised for Team Peter will go to support a new research centre, set up by Candlelighters at the University of York. The research is focussing on how to reduce the side effects caused by cancer and its treatment, some of which can be life-threatening. This is a cause extremely close to all our hearts as Peter died from sepsis, which can be a horrible side effect of chemotherapy.”  

Alison wanted to make a personal thank you to everyone that has been involved. She said, “We as a family are very grateful that you all turn out each year to remember Peter and raise money for such a great cause – it means a lot to us. Also a big thank you to Charlotte and Freya for organising this event each year and to Dave who organises Wiggington Grasshoppers.” 

Rebecca Myers, Senior Regional Fundraiser at Candlelighters said, “Team Peter is formed of family and friends who want to make a real difference to help other families going through childhood cancer and we are so lucky to have their support each year, in honour of Peter. They have raised an incredible £33,000 since 2020, not just through their annual football fundraiser, but with their special Christmas concerts, which was Peter’s favourite time of year. We are so grateful for their support, not only are they raising funds for Candlelighters, they are keeping Peter’s name alive by making memories.” 

You can donate to Peter’s JustGiving page by clicking this link.