Match played in memory of Wrexham officer, PC Ryan Donaldson

Hundreds of people attended The Hollingsworth Group Stadium in Broughton on Sunday (March 12) to watch the Wrexham Police FC v Supporting Charities FC fixture. 

The match was staged to honour the memory of PC Donaldson, who had worked as part of the Wrexham Rural policing team prior to his tragic death in December of last year.

Emmerdale's Jay Kontzle played in the match (Image: Phil Green Photography)

Online donations and cash collected on the day total over £2,900. All proceeds from the match will be donated to the Police Treatment Centres charity, an organisation providing support to serving and retired officers who have experienced illness or injury.

A target of raising £3,391 was set - with 3391 being PC Donaldson's collar number. A dedicated JustGiving page remains open for anyone who still wishes to donate. The page can be accessed at https://bit.ly/3lqFDQa. 

Reflecting on the event, organiser Sgt David Smith was delighted with the impressive attendance on the day.

READ MORE: Wrexham officers raise over £1,000 in memory of PC Ryan Donaldson after tragic death

He said: “I was really proud to see such a strong turnout. It felt like everyone was there for a positive reason – to remember a lost member of the policing family and to pay their respects.

“I didn’t know Ryan personally, but I know he was a valued and respected officer in his team. The minute’s silence before the game was really emotional. It was a fitting tribute to Ryan and showed that he and his family very much remain in everyone’s thoughts.

“I feel truly thankful to everyone who has donated generously to the cause, both online and at the game, particularly at a time when people’s finances are really stretched."

Wrexham Police FC played a match in memory of PC Ryan Donaldson (Image: Phil Green Photography)

Sgt Smith added: “We’d also like to thank everyone who played their part on the day – the police cadets and police federation who assisted with collections, Calon FM for broadcasting live from the game. As well as South Flintshire Neighbourhood Policing Team for their community engagement work at the venue, the Cheshire Police Band for their live performance, PACT for providing funding for the day, and the Events Medical Team for their continued support at our games."

The match, which was closely contested throughout, ended in a 3-1 victory to Supporting Charities FC.