Hollyoaks soap stars raise £20,000 for charity

May 26 2008 by Richard Down, Liverpool Daily Post

Hollyoaks football

SOME of the nation’s favourite television actors battled it out this weekend at the home of Chester FC in the Soapstar Football Challenge.

Saturday’s home team was made up of Liverpool-based Hollyoaks stars including Chris Fountain, Ricky Whittle, Jamie Lomas and Nick Pickard.

Their opposite numbers were made up of stars from Coronation Street, Emmerdale, Casualty, Shameless and The Bill including Ryan Thomas, Glen Lamont, James Redmond and Gary Lucy.

Captain and founder of the Hollyoaks team, Nick Pickard, who plays Tony in the soap, said: “Not only was the day and evening great fun, it’s also a fantastic opportunity for us to raise money for two worthwhile charities.”

It was also a chance for fans to meet the stars.

Hollyoaks also held an evening of star-studded entertainment at a brand new venue within Chester Racecourse. Cast members, including Coronation Street’s Kym Ryder, took to the stage for an evening of musical entertainment. The two events managed to raise £20,000 for the Alder Hey Imagine Appeal, and Claire House Children’s Hospice.

Lime Pictures managing director Sean Marley said: “Lime Pictures is delighted to be able to support two amazing local children’s charities.Š

“The cast and crew have worked hard to put together a football match and events programme to raise much needed funds for Claire House and the Imagine Appeal.Š

“The charities do so much for local children at a time when they need it most”.

richarddown