Final time in goals for brave ‘keeper Chris

Chris (55) played for Padiham during the 1970s and 80s but has since lost one leg completely and the other below the knee after being diagnosed with Churgg-Strauss Syndrome, an auto-immune disease that affects the body’s defence, in 2006.

He now faces the possibility of losing his other leg completely and one of his arms when he goes back into hospital next week.

So Chris wanted to appear in the goals he loved at the YESS Electrical Arena one last time to face penalties from his former team mates, while raising money for the club, Pendleside Hospice and Doctor Nivens research fund.

Alan Smith of Padiham Football Club said: “The weather aside, everything went really well.

“We couldn’t have asked for a better turnout at the event, and we couldn’t have wished for more support from those who attended.”

The original plan for the day, which was designated “Chris Ormerod day”, was for Chris to appear in goal at half-time during their match against AFC Liverpool.

When the game was called off, however, the spot kicks had to be moved to outside the clubhouse and take place during the evening fund-raising event.

The day also included a raffle, an auction and a sponsored cycle from Wythenshawe Hospital, where Chris is being treated, to Padiham Football Club.

Alan added: “The penalty shoot-out worked really well.

“Chris appeared in some much smaller nets and wore some oversized gloves while the lads used an extra soft ball.

“It was quite emotional at times because Chris became overwhelmed at the amount of support he received, but the night certainly helped to cheer him up.”

The exact amount raised from the event is not yet known but it is expected to raise over £1,000.