A CHARITY football match took place on Sunday to raise funds for the hospital that saved a Yate soldier’s life.

Phillip Hardwell organised the match, which saw footballers from South Yate take on players from the North side, to raise money for Papworth Hospital - where he received a life-saving heart transplant last year.

The game at the Ridings in Chipping Sodbury finished 4-4 with North Yate winning on penalties. Of more importance was the £600 raised and the next step on Phillip’s road to recovery completed.

He had last played football in 2016, before being diagnosed with arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy - a genetic disease that affects the heart muscle.

“The game turned out to be a great success,” said Phillip, a former Bombardier in the British Army.

“It was amazing to see a great group of friends come together to support a great cause.

“It felt like a dream come true to be able to play football with my oldest boy, something that looked impossible 18 months ago.”

You can donate via a fundraiser on Phillip’s Facebook page.