We are delighted to announce that we will be the hosts of the very first ‘Samantha Birtles Trophy’. The game will be played on Sunday 27 June and is raising funds for Treetops Hospice on behalf of Nottingham Forest legend Garry Birtles and his wife Samantha.

It is hoped that we will be able to welcome up to 1200 fans at Greenwich Avenue, which is very much dependent on the Government Roadmap, and that this will become an annual event to support the vital work the Treetops Hospice carries out, including supporting Samantha who has bravely battled Pancreatic Cancer for the last two years.

Melissa Hill, a close friend of Samantha, said: “It has been utterly devastating seeing Samantha suffer as she has; pancreatic cancer is a cruel, relentless disease.
My dear friend has been courageous, dignified and never without her wicked sense of humour.

“It is testament to her bravery and selflessness that she continues
to think about how money can be raised for Treetops and how she can raise awareness for cancer and its early symptoms.”

The game will see Gary Birtles' Superstars, managed by former Reds’ player and current Mansfield Town Manager Nigel Clough take on Marlon Harewood and Matty Turner’s Harewood and Turner’s Treetops Legends managed by former England boss Kevin Keegan.

Garry Birtles, said: “Treetops hospice is an essential charity. The hospice provides nursing care and emotional support for anyone affected by a life limiting illness or bereavement. It is our local hospice serving people in both Nottingham and Derby.

“Raising money for Treetops Hospice has been restricted during the pandemic. Samantha and I know first-hand how important its services are; we’d love to see as much money raised as possible”.

Cheryl Morris, Community Relationships Manager for Treetops Hospice, added: “Thank you so much to Garry Birtles’ football friends- you are amazing! We simply could not provide the vital care we do, to those who need it the most without wonderful people like you”

Everyone at the club hopes you will join us in making this a fantastic occasion.

Our Chairman Chris Munroe, added: “We are delighted to support the 'Samantha Birtles Trophy' at our ground on 27 June. We will do our utmost to provide an excellent venue for what will be a brilliant day and support Samantha’s wish to raise funds for The Treetops Hospice. Please pledge your support by purchasing your tickets and helping us raise as much money as possible.”

800 tickets are available for purchase now on our digital club shop, with further tickets being held back for purchase on the day.

We will be announcing the players involved in the game over the coming weeks, with special endorsements of the game also being released.

The game is being supported by Liberal Sport, Hickling & Squires, The Southbank and AC13 Premier Lifestyle.

Follow the Treetops Hospice on Twitter.