A DEDICATED teenager has raised nearly £3,000 for a charity football match.

Aaron Hillier, from Tilehurst, has been collecting for The Big Match – a community game which supports The Brain Tumour Charity and Action for Children – since the start of the year.

Last Friday the 15-year-old and his family topped the fund up with £1,177 after hosting a fun day at the Tilehurst Club, in Kentwood Hill.

Youngsters met the Big Match mascot Fergal the Fox and took part in an Easter Egg hunt and party dances in a bid to win a range of prizes donated by businesses, while guests had the chance to win at the raffle before being treated to an evening of disco and bingo.

Aaron said: “It was superb! The amount of support I’ve had from the whole Big Match team has been awesome.

“It was so much better than I expected and everyone was trying hard to win something.

“The day was quite emotional as so many people helped to support my fundraising.”

He has also been collecting at organisations across Reading and has been helping customers pack their bags at supermarkets including The Co-op in School Road and Asda in Honey End Lane.

The Reading FC ball boy was joined by his teammates from the Basingstoke Town Elite squad during the fun day and said: “I want to say a big thank you to over 40 groups and businesses for supporting me and letting me collect.

“I also want to say thank you to my mum, Yvonne. She’s had no time for herself and helped with everything I’ve done.

“My brother Ashley has also been amazing, offering to DJ at the fun day for free.”

The Big Match takes place on Saturday, May 31, at the Madejski Stadium with children’s sessions running until 2pm before the game at 3pm.

To find out more about further fundraising events and to buy tickets costing £7.50, visit www.thebigmatch.co.uk

Go to http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/AaronHillier to keep up with Aaron’s efforts and donate.