Words and photos by Jonathan White
The community came together on the afternoon of Saturday 16th May 2026 for the fourth annual Theodore William Gill Cup charity football match, held at Nantwich Town FC’s Swansway Stadium.
The event was organised by local parents Greg Gill and Charlotte Wilson in loving memory of their baby son, Theodore William Gill, who was born sleeping on 26th April 2023.
Before kick-off, players, mascots and spectators joined in a heartfelt minute’s applause, followed by the release of balloons into the sky in Theodore’s memory.
Each player wore a specially printed shirt bearing “TWG FC in memory 26/04/2023” on the front and “THEO” on the back.
The match saw Greg Gill captain the Reds, while Kyle Brogan led the Blues. After a goalless first half, the Reds conceded early in the second period before fighting back to secure a narrow 3-2 victory. The game was officiated by Ashley Scoffin.
Beyond the football, the family-friendly event featured a cake and sweet stall, face painting from Destinyz Facez, a bouncy castle, drinks from the Green Rock Group fan zone and refreshments from the Dabbers Diner.
The match once again raised vital funds for the Lost Little Ones Meadow Suite Fund, with £355 collected in donation buckets and a further £953.75 donated online. Across all Theodore William Gill Cup events, more than £10,000 has now been raised.
The money will help support the Meadow Suite at Leighton Hospital — a dedicated space created for families experiencing the devastating loss of a baby. Opened in September 2023, the suite provides parents and loved ones with a peaceful and comforting environment away from the main labour ward, allowing them precious time together during the most difficult circumstances.
Organiser Charlotte Wilson said:
“We are incredibly grateful to every single person who supported the Theodore William Gill Cup this year. Thank you to all the players who took part, the volunteers who helped make the day possible, and everyone who came along to support us. Seeing the community come together in Theodore’s memory means so much to our family, and every contribution will help support other families during the most difficult times of their lives.”
Donations can still be made to the Lost Little Ones Meadow Suite Fund via Theodore William Gill’s tribute page at MuchLoved tribute page for Theodore William Gill: https://theodoregill.muchloved.com/ .
For more information about the annual cup and future events, visit the official Facebook group at Theodore William Gill Cup Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/804911284565666