Ex-Reading XI -vs- Ex-Southampton XI
Palmer Park, Reading, Sunday 21 May

The Event:

A charity football match has been organised to raise funds for the Encephalitis Support Group. An Ex-Reading F.C XI will play an Ex-Southampton F.C. XI at Palmer Park Stadium, Wokingham Road, Reading on Sunday 21 May. Kick-Off 6.30pm.

The event is organised jointly by ex-Reading and Tottenham Hotspurs player Stuart Beavon and Encephalitis sufferer Richard Wickson. Richard says, " Encephalitis is rare condition, but can affect anyone at any age. It's an inflammation of the brain and results of the illness can vary from a slight changes in personality and mental ability to mental or physical disability and even fatality. The money raised will go towards maintaining the organisations advisory and support programme and promoting research into this debilitating and little-known illness. Our aim in organising this event is not only to raise much needed funds for this worthwhile cause but to give families a great evening of fun and entertainment"

Entry is by match Programme (priced £3) available on the day or in advance from a number of local retail outlets. More details from Richard Wickson on 07899-846 664

The Charity:

The Encephalitis Support Group (Registered Charity No. 1047266)

Encephalitis can occur at any age and is usually the result of a viral infection of the human central nervous system characterised by inflammation of the brain and it is akin to meningitis. It is very rare, there are approx. seven times as many cases of meningitis notified as encephalitis. Encephalitis has a high mortality rate.

Symptoms include confusion and drowsiness and are followed in severe cases by seizures and coma. Diffuse brain damage can occur. As a result even mild cases can result in very disconnected or disordered brain activity. Significant changes may occur in personality and ability to function day to day even if there is a complete physical recovery.

Coming to terms with the effects of encephalitis can be particularly distressing and difficult for the whole family. The type of knowledge needed in order to come to terms and cope with these problems does not reside in medical text books nor with medical experts.

The Encephalitis Support Group is a group for sufferers of encephalitis and their families by sufferers of encephalitis and their families.
Its aims are:

• To inform - about the condition and what help is available
• To listen - The E.S.G can link sufferers with others and their families to share experiences and share problems and solutions.
• To raise awareness - Amongst the medical profession so that it can be diagnosed and treated promptly, and amongst social workers and benefit agencies, education and employment authorities, as well as the general public of the long term effects.
• To encourage research - Into the condition itself and its treatment and into the long term problems and their management.

The Organisers:

RICHARD WICKSON: A Reading F.C. vice-president and former Chairman of Reading Football Supporters' Club, Richard contracted Encephalitis in 1997 forcing him to take medical retirement aged 34 from his career as a Health and Safety consultant. Nearly three years later, he still suffers permanent and chronic headaches and numerous neuropsychological problems which may now remain with him for life.

STUART BEAVON: An ex-player with Reading, Tottenham Hotspur and Northampton Town. He joined Reading from Tottenham in 1980 and went on to make over 480 League and Cup appearances for the Royals, including a Simod Cup winners medal in 1988. In 1989, after a successful Testimonial with Reading, he joined Northampton Town as Player/Coach.

Players invited to take part include:
(Appearances subject to availability/fitness)

EX-READING F.C XI
Joint-Managers: Maurice Evans and Bobby Williams
Nicky Hammond, Steve Mautone, Michael Barnes, Steve Wood, Gary Peters, Steve Hetzke, Martin Hicks, Keith McPherson, Mark White, Steve Richardson, Adrian Williams, Kevin Dillon, Richie Bowman, Stuart Beavon, Neil Webb, Lawrie Sanchez, Kevin Bremner, Mike Kearney, Ollie Kearns, Trevor Senior, James Lambert, Michael Gilkes, Carl Asaba, George Friel.

EX-SOUTHAMPTON F.C XI include

Paul Bennett (ex-Reading), Pat Earles (ex-Reading), Jimmy Case (ex-Liverpool), Kevin Dawtry, Ian Juryeff, Dave Penney, Glenn Cockerill, Forbes Philipson-Masters, Tony Funnell, and Gordon Hobson.

Other attractions include:

• A Grand Raffle including autographed shirts and footballs from many Football League and Premiership clubs and other items donated from local organisations and companies
• A Lucky numbered match Programme with a Reading F.C and a Southampton F.C shirt signed by the respective 1999/2000 first team squads.
• The Radio 2-TEN FM Black Thunder crew relaying music and commentary.
• The Reading Chronicle Bouncy Castle
• The Sainsbury's Savacentre/ Reading Football Club "Speed Cage"
• Half-Time Penalty Shoot-out Competition between the "Young Royals" official junior supporters club from Reading F.C and the Winchester branch of the Pure Telecommunications "Junior Saints" club from Southampton F.C.
• The Stadium Bar will be open for alcoholic and soft drinks and other refreshments.