SWINDON Spitfires are hoping to raise thousands of pounds for Brimble Hill special needs school at a charity ice hockey match this July.

Simon Bellamy, the Spitfires’ manager and organiser of the match, said: “Last year was a great success and we raised a good amount of money. My youngest attends the Brimble Hill school and we wanted to do something local to continue that tradition and raise the profile of the great work they do there with the kids.

“This year it’s got to be bigger and better.”

The club hosted its inaugural charity game in August, raising £1,250 for the National Autistic Society.

This year the match will go one step further and pitch an elite team of professional hockey league players from teams across the UK against the Spitfires’ A team players. 

Lee Richardson, who is coming out of retirement after more than 800 matches for Swindon Wildcats, said: “I’m really excited about playing in this game and raising money for a great cause. 

“Both my boys first swam at Brimble Hill so I’ve seen what equipment is needed and how well it’s all used.”

Alan Armour, the current captain of Cardiff Fire2 and captain of Brimble Elite, said: “When asked to play I jumped at the chance. 
“As I’m a Swindon boy Brimble Hill is a school I’m aware of and I’m really pleased to be able to help them out. The work they do is amazing. I’m really honoured to be chosen as captain too. See you all in Swindon on July 28.”

There is already demand for the tickets, and with more than 200 sold organisers are confident of reaching or possibly going over the £3,000 target. 
 

“We’ve kept it quite low at £2 and we’re saying it’s a donation so that hopefully people will donate more on the day as well,” said Simon. 

“We’ve found people paying £15-£30 for a ticket instead of £2, so everyone can help in their own way and its open to everybody. Hopefully we should reach the target and more.”