A FOOTBALL match to recognise the vital work of key workers during the coronavirus crisis is being organised by a Worcester man.

Brendan Lowther, who works as a signaller in Worcester, said he had the idea for the game as a way of celebrating the work of key staff such as his wife, who works at Worcestershire Royal Hospital as a nurse.

The former police officer said: “I decided to launch the game and get the word out there and we are going to call it the “Heroes Cup.”

“The game is going to be just over the border in Wales and will be between NHS staff, Police staff and other key workers from Worcestershire, Gloucestershire and Wales.”

The game will be an England vs Wales contest with money raised going to the Worcestershire Acute Hospitals Charity.

Jason Levy from Worcestershire Acute Hospitals Charity said: “We are incredibly proud and excited to be part of the planned Heroes Football match.

“It’s thanks to inspirational fundraisers like these that Worcestershire Acute Hospitals Charity can continue to put patients first, funding additional services to support the staff at the Trust.”

READ MORE: Worcester's branch of Oak Furnitureland is safe despite nationwide closures

Mr Lowther said he was hoping businesses and other organisations would get in touch and possibly donate raffle prizes to help raise even more money for the charity.

He is also looking for as many players as possible, saying: “Anyone who meets the criteria as a key worker can get in touch. If we get enough players we can do it with rolling subs.”

The NHS Heroes Cup is to be held on September 20 at Caldicott Leisure Centre in Wales. Kick off is at 11am.

For more information, follow the team on Twitter at @CupNHS, on Instagram at thenhsheroescup or email nhsheroescup@aol.com

The Worcestershire Acute Hospitals charity supports medical and health research, and encourage excellence in healthcare for staff, patients, and their carers, mainly through the services provided by the county’s hospitals.