Jane Tomlinson has become a household name and has touched the hearts of many people with her incredible bravery. Single mindedly she has maintained her charity fund-raising efforts whilst battling the pain and debilitating effects of cancer. That is why over 40 players, ex-players and managers made their way to Wakefield and Emley Belle Vue ground for a charity match between Peter Lorimer's legends and Imre Varadi's All Stars at the weekend.
The idea was the brainchild of Varadi who takes up the story. Varadi said: "I got a phone call from Chris Kamara asking me if I would run the London marathon for charity. My first reaction was 'you must be joking, I have never run that far in my life' but when he explained it was for Jane I accepted. I then thought about having a charity game. I rang up my friends in the game and they all said 'yes' and before I knew it we had a game on."
The star attraction for the Leeds all stars was David Batty who played the whole game. He was joined by other former Leeds players, John Sheridan, Ian Snodin, Andy Ritchie, John McClelland, Brendan Ormsby, John Hendrie, Noel Blake, Tommy Wright. Others who didn't play but offered their support were former Leeds player and now manger of Nottingham Forest Paul Hart, Leeds legend John Charles, former England international Tony Currie and current Leeds manager Terry Venables, who was late for the start of the game but explained he had a good reason.
He said: "I got mobbed outside the ground for autographs and it took me 45 minutes to get in and I thought I was early but it was a terrific day and a special cause and a wonderful lady. I and the Chairman were delighted to lend our support and to help out."
Sheffield Wednesday also turned up in their numbers with former players such as current manager Chris Turner and his assistant Colin West in the line-up. Former England striker David Hirst played up front with guest appearance from Cyrille Regis and Gordon Hill on the wing. In defence, Scunthope manager Brian Laws played alongside Mansfield manager Keith Curle and former Wednesday captain Nigel Pearson.
On a hot afternoon the large crowd was treated to an attractive and attacking match. Besides the attractions on the pitch the famous Sheffield Wednesday and England band played their now popular tunes. Another major attraction was the raffle of several signed shirts from Leeds United and several fans went away happy with their win.
Afterwards a tired Varadi said: "I am grateful too everyone concerned. Sometimes players and people in the game get a bad name and are considered greedy but that it not the case. The players and managers gave up their time at short notice and they do a lot that does not get noticed or reported. More importantly I think that quite a bit of money has been raised."
Former Manchester United player Gordon Hill said: "It's been a terrific day. A bit too hot for me, but it was great to play for Jane and it was great to see some old friends and catch up with them. The camaraderie is one of the best parts of being a player."
For the record, Sheffield Wednesday won 5-4 with Imre Varadi scoring the winning goal near the end. Wednesday started off quicker and went into a three-goal lead but Leeds hit back to level the score at 4-4 before Varadi fittingly claimed the winner.
While Varadi goes off into training for the London marathon next month, Jane Tomlinson is already working on her next project. She has agreed to undergo a grueling 1,082 mile bike ride from John O'Groats to Lands End while at the same time returning to Leeds to receive doses of chemotherapy.
Anyone wishing to make a donation can do so through Jane's website www.janesappeal.com or send a cheque to Jane Tomlinson, Yorkshire Building Society, 44-48 Commercial Street, Rothwell, Leeds LS26 OAW.
