Football game in memory of Bootham School’s Peter Woodmansey

Peter Woodmansey a student at Bootham School, died of septicaemia at Leeds General Infirmary in December 2020, less than three weeks after receiving a diagnosis of leukaemia and despite having responded well to early treatment.

Peter was a keen sportsman and especially enjoyed football so his friends from Bootham School and Wigginton Grasshoppers decided that they wanted to mark his birthday every year with a charity football match. 

Peter Woodmansey three weeks before his diagnosis (Image: Supplied) Peter’s friends Freya Leaf and Charlotte Collinson organised the match which is now in its third year.

Bootham Old Scholars took on Wigginton Grasshoppers under 19’s to raise funds for local children’s cancer charity, Candlelighters and raised more than £3,400, adding to the total raised in Peter’s memory which now exceeds £33,000.

The Wigginton Grasshoppers with the winners trophy (Image: Supplied) His mum Alison said “He was a popular and kind boy, who is missed by many. As a former head boy of Bootham School, Peter was a key member of the community and he excelled in all areas, most notably on the football pitch.

“Peter had a passion for football, playing for both the Bootham School first XI and Wigginton Grasshoppers, as well as being an avid York City fan. He would have thoroughly enjoyed the match, which saw Wiggington Grasshoppers coming from behind to win 2 – 1.”

The annual football match in memory of Peter Woodmansey (Image: Michael Woodmansey) Peter’s family has now set up a special fundraising group called Team Peter, to raise money for Candlelighters in his memory to help provide a better future for children diagnosed with cancer.

Alison said: “From this year all the money raised for Team Peter will go to support a new research centre, set up by Candlelighters at the University of York.

“The research is focussing on how to reduce the side effects caused by cancer and its treatment, some of which can be life-threatening.

“This is a cause extremely close to all our hearts as Peter died from sepsis, which can be a horrible side effect of chemotherapy.

“We as a family are very grateful that you all turn out each year to remember Peter and raise money for such a great cause – it means a lot to us. Also a big thank you to Charlotte and Freya for organising this event each year and to Dave who organises Wigginton Grasshoppers.”

The two teams line up with Freya Leaf and Charlotte Collinson and Peter’s parents, Alison and Michael (Image: Supplied)

Rebecca Myers, senior regional fundraiser at Candlelighters said: “Team Peter is formed of family and friends who want to make a real difference to help other families going through childhood cancer and we are so lucky to have their support each year, in honour of Peter.

“They have raised an incredible £33,000 since 2020, not just through their annual football fundraiser, but with their special Christmas concerts, which was Peter’s favourite time of year. We are so grateful for their support, not only are they raising funds for Candlelighters, they are keeping Peter’s name alive by making memories.”

You can donate to Peter’s JustGiving page.

Freya Leaf, Keith Hardcastle, Alison Woodmansey and Charlotte Collinson (Image: Michael Woodmansey)