A TRAFFORD charity which supports bereaved families has been given a cash boost by the sponsors of the celebrity football match in memory of Bowdon schoolboy Isaac Maley.

Together has presented Trafford charity Once Upon a Smile with a cheque for £2,719.19 after raising funds through colleague events and sponsoring a celebrity football match at Altrincham FC.

The charity, based in Trafford Park, was founded in 2011 by actors Daniel Jillings and Danny Miller, of ITV drama PREY and Emmerdale fame, who wanted to use their network of celebrity contacts to help support bereaved families.

Charity manager Daniel said: “We’re really grateful for the support from Together, not only with the football match but especially also through the colleague fundraising.”

Last year, Once Upon a Smile raised funds of more than £100,000 to provide long term support to bereaved families at their time of need, including Bowdon schoolboy Isaac Maley’s family after he passed away last August from an asthma attack.

The recent football match sponsored by Together at Altrincham FC was held in Isaac’s honour and attracted thousands of visitors, raising £26,000. Celebrities on the pitch included former Manchester United and England captain Bryan Robson, former defender Denis Irwin and City striker Paul Dickov.

Daniel Owen-Parr, national development director at finance provider Together, said: “We’re delighted to support Once Upon a Smile, which helps so many families in their hour of need. The football match held in Isaac’s memory was a truly special day and it was a privilege to be involved.”