Stars have helped raise a big amount for a special Leeds United cause.

A impressive array of ex-Leeds United stars have helped raise another grand sum of money for this year’s Elliot James Bransby Memorial Shield match - and plans are already in place to repeat the feat next year.

Elliot, who was just 30 years old, passed away very unexpectedly in November 2019 and the Elliot James Bransby Memorial Shield was set up in 2023 to raise funds for local charities.

The event had already raised £24,732 since it began and another £17,372 has been raised by this year’s event, the amount donated to Martin House Children’s Hospice and bringing the total donated to an incredible £42,104 over just four events.

This year’s event saw ‘Team Cherry’ take on ‘Team Clarke’ at the John Charles Centre for Sport, organiser David Bransby thrilled with the success of the event in the name of his son.

David told the YEP: “Team Cherry v Team Clarke was a who’s who of star guests, with players and team managers traveling from across the UK to raise money for Martin House Children’s Hospice.

“Joining Leeds United legends, Howard Wilkinson, Simon Grayson and Neil Aspin as guest managers were Ellery Hanley and Peter ‘Stix’ Lockwood.

“Leeds United ex-pros, Seb Carole, Andy Couzens, Sanchez Payne and David Norris brought a professional flair to the game, and guest celebrity players included Comedian, Jon Richardson, Kyran Bowes and Luca Toolan from Corrie, Jay Kontzle from Emmerdale.

Elliot James Bransby Memorial Shield presentation of £17, 320..70 to Martin House Hospice from the recent football game at the South Leeds Stadium, from left Linda Gray, Donna Bransby, Bobby Sharma, Yorkshire Indian, David Bransby, Stix Lockwood, Leeds United Club Ambassador, Simon Wood co-ordinator of the events, Eddie Gray, Finley Barret-Carter singer of Britain's Got Talent, Sam Berrill, Regional Fund Raiser Martin House Hospice | National World Resell

placeholder image — Elliot James Bransby Memorial Shield presentation of £17, 320..70 to Martin House Hospice from the recent football game at the South Leeds Stadium, from left Linda Gray, Donna Bransby, Bobby Sharma, Yorkshire Indian, David Bransby, Stix Lockwood, Leeds United Club Ambassador, Simon Wood co-ordinator of the events, Eddie Gray, Finley Barret-Carter singer of Britain's Got Talent, Sam Berrill, Regional Fund Raiser Martin House Hospice | National World Resell

“We also had MasterChef Dale Spink, Finley Barrett-Carter from Britain’s Got Talent, darts champion - Joe Cullen. Happy Valley star, Rhys Connah, Content Creators, Cal the Dragon, The Yorkshire Indian and many more!

“The whole day was magical, not only for the mascots representing Martin House, but for the huge turn out that enjoyed a thrilling family day out.

“Being able to donate so much money in Elliot’s name, and to attract so many big-name stars is both heart-warming and rewarding.”

Sizing up plans for next year’s event, Bransby revealed: “The 5th event will also be held at the John Charles Centre, and the date will formally be announced in November. The 2027 charity beneficiary will be The Hunslet Club.

“Event Ambassadors are Eddie Gray, Jon Richardson, Simon Grayson, Gordon Strachan, Dom Matteo, Ralph Ineson, Finley Barrett-Carter and Colin Montgomerie.

“Businesses that would like to be a sponsor and associated to with this massively successful event, affectionately referred to as ‘Yorkshire’s SoccerAid’, are invited to contact David Bransby at [email protected]”