BWitC Proud to Support Poignant Smiley Faces Charity Charge
Matt McMurray, committed Father and Wanderers fan, sadly passed away on the 26th of September following a short illness and a few weeks in hospital at the age of 35.
He leaves behind 6 children, of which the 2nd youngest Louie, has Downs Syndrome.
Last week we met with Matt Riley, a co-worker of Matt’s who intends to run the London Marathon to raise funds for a cause that was so dear to Matt McMurray’s heart – Bolton Smiley Faces. Matt Riley tells us that as an avid Whites Fan, Matt was laid to rest in his Wanderers away kit and that he intends to run the marathon in the same blue away strip to honour his late friend.
When Matt reached out to us, we were extremely moved by his story here at Bolton Wanderers in the Community and reached out to Head of Retail at the Club, Paul Stanworth, who kindly agreed to donate the kit to Matt that he will wear when running the marathon.
“I met Matt McMurray through work at Ciceley Commercials Ltd in Bolton, where I have worked for the last 11 years as a Truck Sales Executive alongside his dad Gary McMurray, our Driver Trainer. I intend to frame the kit after the marathon and donate it to Gary along with my finishers medal.
“I got a ballot place in the London Marathon 2023 shortly after the funeral so decided to do it for Bolton Smiley Faces who have supported and continue to support Matt and his family with his son Louie.” – Matt Riley
Bolton Smiley Faces was set up 14 years ago by Jacqui Grady, when she herself struggled to find support around the Bolton area for parents and carers of children with Downs Syndrome, like her son Ethan. Together Jacqui and Ethan explore many equal opportunity ventures together, including the Bolton Wanderers Community Football Club ‘Ability Counts’ team, for which Ethan now plays. Bolton Smiley Faces do not receive any government support so rely heavily on the support of the local area.
Marathon runner Matt also tells us how his fundraising has also helped Gary deal with the loss of his son. To date he has raised over £1300, with 43 different contributors.
You can reach Matt Riley’s JustGiving page with more donation information via the following link: www.justgiving.com/Matt-Riley10
We’d like to thank Matt, Gary, Jacqui and her son Ethan for making the trip down to the University of Bolton Stadium to meet with our representatives, BWitC CEO Phil Mason and BWFC Head of Retail Paul Stanworth.