Bradford City Veterans Match raises over £9,500 for dementia charities

The staggering amount was made when Bradford City veterans returned to the pitch recently to take on former Leeds United players.

Cheering on the Bantams at the Bradford City Veterans Match was Allan Gilliver, fondly known as Gilly, who has dementia, and his wife, Chris.

“It was a fabulous day - and to raise more than £9,000 is just amazing,” says Chris. “The money will be split between our three chosen groups - Friends Together, Guiseley Memories Cafe and the residents’ entertainment fund at Mill View Care Home. They are all very close to our heart.

“Silsden AFC made £1,500 profit on the day from food and drink, which will be invested in supporting grassroots football.”

Allan with the veterans at the match (Image: Submitted)

Managing the City veterans was former City player and manager Terry Dolan, who made almost 200 appearances for the Bantams. Other City legends wearing the claret and amber included Brazilian striker Edinho Amaral.

“Edinho flew over from Portugal specially for the match,” says Chris. “When he signed for Bradford City, Gilly and I helped him settle in. We found him and his family a house. He's a great friend of ours - he’s even been to visit Gilly at Mill View, with Lee Clapham who organised the charity match.

“It was wonderful too see so many old friends at the match. Gilly had a big smile on his face all day.”

Allan, 78, was diagnosed with vascular dementia in 2013. Earlier this year he moved into Mill View Care Home in Bradford.

His football career began at Huddersfield Town in 1961 and he went on to play for clubs including Bradford City. Known as ‘Mr Bradford City’, he worked at the club after his career on the pitch ended, taking on several roles such as groundsman and commercial manager. He retired in 2007, after a four-decade association with City.

In 2021 he and Chris appeared in acclaimed BBC TV documentary Dementia & Us, focusing on families living with the condition.

Allan and Chris Gilliver (Image: Submitted)

One of the organisations receiving cash from the veterans’ match is Guiseley Memories Cafe, a friendly meeting place for people with dementia and their carers. Chris, who goes there with Allan, says: “We have an amazing set of volunteers there who plan and run sessions, encouraging memories and discussion everyone can enjoy. There is always music, laughter and friendship, alongside advice and support.”

Also benefitting from the funds is Friends Together, a charity that organises day trips, lunches and short breaks for people living with dementia and their carers.

Allan with volunteers from Friends Together (Image: Submitted)

"It's run by volunteers and Elaine Rathmel, who is the main organiser. received an MBE two years ago for her services to dementia," says Chris. "Quite a few of the current members have lost the person they cared for over the years but have formed strong friendship bonds within the group which is why it was re-named Friends Together."