Tommy Smith Helping Out for Charity

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Watford Observer

Watford manager Malky Mackay and QPR footballer Tommy Smith sign photos for Hospice of St Francis

9:00am Wednesday 6th April 2011
* By Amie Mulderrig »

Footie fans are expected to fill a café in Watford next week, as Watford FC manager Malky Mackay and QPR footballer Tommy Smith sign photos for charity.

The pair have agreed to take part in the event at the Waterside Café to raise money for the Hospice of St Francis, which cares for terminally ill people across the county.

The signing will be held at the café in Hatters Lane, Wednesday, April 13, from 1pm-2.30pm.

Photos will cost a suggested donation of £3.

A barbecue will also be held, with the café making a donation to the hospice.

www.watfordobserver.co.uk/news/8955661.Football_stars_to_sign_autographs_for_charity/

[Macmoish]

Watford Observer

Football stars Malky Mackay and Tommy Smith sign autographs for Hospice of St Francis

By Amie Mulderrig -

Scores of football fans queued inside a café this afternoon, as Watford manager Malky Mackay and QPR footballer Tommy Smith autographed photos for charity.

The event was organised by company De Lage Landen, with the aim of raising as much cash as possible for the Hospice of St Francis, which cares for terminally ill people across the county.

Among the patient crowds of footie fans at the Waterside Cafe in Hatters Lane, were QPR supporters Paul Kingdon, 42, and his sons Matt, 12 and Alex, ten.

Mr Kingdon, from Hemel Hempstead, lost his 37-year-old wife Val to breast Cancer 18 months ago.

Besides waiting for a chance to meet former Watford player Tommy Smith, the family had turned out to offer support for the hospice, which cared for Mrs Kingdon in her final days.

Mr Kingdon said: “It’s my son Alex’s birthday party this afternoon, but we thought we’d come along, show our support and of course get some autographs.

“The hospice was absolutely fantastic when it came to caring for my wife, I couldn’t ask for any better.

“They rely entirely on donations to continue running, so it’s important to help raise as much cash as possible.”

Fans paid £3 per signed photograph and were also given the chance to chat with the football stars.

Malky Mackay explained why he had decided to help the hospice in this way.

He said: “It’s an absolute pleasure to support the Hospice of St Francis.

“I’m based in Berkhamsted, so I know the good work they do.

“It isn’t the first charity event I’ve taken part in on their behalf - I’ve been involved with them for the past five years.

“The main thing to remember is that they need every penny that they can get, which is why people should spare whatever they can.

“Although we had a match last night, and I was out training with the boys today, I felt it was important to come along and show my support.

“We’ve had lots of Watford fans come along for autographs, and the odd QPR fan – but they’ve been quickly dispatched of.”

www.watfordobserver.co.uk/news/8972041.Football_fans_line_up_for_charity_signing_with_Malky_Mackay_and_Tommy_Smith/