Marie’s Mission, four Narberth boys and the Fair Trade In Football Campaign have joined forces in the hope of gaining support from Welsh international Premier League football favourite, Narberth’s own, Joe Allen.
Marie, whose son Marley was diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes at a young age, is on a mission to increase much-needed awareness of and support for families with children with Type 1 Diabetes.
Marie’s Mission raises funds for Junior Diabetic Research Fund JDRF with the help of Marie’s Marvels, a group of daring ladies who have achieved some amazing missions, including the Cardiff half marathon, raising over £5,000.
Earlier this year, Marley and friends, Jack, Isaac and Archie, had their head’s shaved raising over £1,000 for JDRF and Cancer Research, which was all their idea!
Sharron Hardwick, Fair Trade In Football Campaign founder, saw their activities on the Tenby Observer Facebook page and commented her support. This comment was seen by Sharron’s friend and Stoke City media manager, Colin Burgess, who noticed Joe Allen’s shirt in the background. This led to some exciting opportunities.
“Living in Pembrokeshire, but still working as a Stoke City match day steward, because I’m a Stoke fan, I was delighted when Narberth’s Joe Allen signed for Stoke City - I mean what are the chances! As well as ensuring a fair deal for Sialkot football stitchers, it’s lovely to be able to support local causes via my Fair Trade In Football Campaign. I thought if we could get a message about Fairtrade and Marie’s Mission to Joe that would be brilliant, so we just went for it!”
Marie and the boys met with Sharron, played some Fairtrade football, filming a video for Joe Allen with information and questions.
Football is a big part of Marley’s life. The brave and talented boy has this message for Joe: “I have got Type 1 Diabetes and nothing stops me! Who is your favourite player?”
It is hoped that Sharron will meet with Joe Allen at Clayton Woods, Stoke City’s training ground, in the near future, where the boy’s questions will be answered and Joe will be presented with a Cymru Fairtrade Football.
November is Diabetes Awareness Month, so it’s a great time to support Marie’s Mission:
“My son Marley was diagnosed a Type 1 Diabetic in September 2011 at the age of 18 months old; he is now seven and is a true warrior. I am on a lifelong mission... #mariesmission to not only spread awareness, but to raise as much money as possible for JDRF to help find that cure!” shared Marie.
To support Marie’s Mission, search @mariesmission on Facebook
For Information about Fairtrade Footballs visit: www.fairtradeinfootball.com
To watch the video made for Joe Allen visit: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n06WiI4n_bM&feature=youtu.be
Fair Trade In Football And Rugby Campaign - www.fairtradeinfootball.com