LOCAL heroes inspired by the bravery of Corsham's John Woods, as he battles cancer, will take part in a charity football match to raise money for Dorothy House Hospice.

The Gazette is supporting the match, pencilled in for Tuesday, July 19, between a select 11 made up mainly of Chippenham's FA Vase Wembley heroes from 2000 under the captaincy of Colin Bush and a Steve White XI.

Both Corsham and Chippenham Town are fully behind the match to be held this summer at Hardenhuish.

Woods, who began his career at Devizes Town before playing for Calne, Chippenham and Corsham, is delighted to be able to help generate cash for the hospice at Winsley which has already benefitted by more than £1,000 from fundraising at Corsham.

He said: "It is a fantastic place and has helped a lot of people I know.

"My own condition makes me even more aware of what they do. I hope a lot of people will want to come along to this match and help raise money for a very good cause.

"Dorothy House is Corsham's chosen charity and we have just handed over a large cheque."

The Gazette will be providing a trophy and helping to pay for match officials as well as publicity.

Gazette editor Gary Lawrence said: "I know from stories we have written and the experiences of colleagues that Dorothy House does incredible work and every penny raised will make a difference to somebody's life.

"The reaction to John's illness, and the speed with which temmates past and present said they wanted to help, just shows how much regard they have for him. The Gazette is proud to be involved.''

Corsham boss Bush was assistant manager at Chippenham when the Bluebirds went to Wembley and Woods himself counts that day as one of the best of his life.

Corsham chairman Colin Hudd said: "We are delighted the Gazette is backing this match.

"We have all been inspired by John's attitude to his illness and I hope a lot of people will want to support the charity event.

"John is a lovely guy and an excellent player and assistant manager here at Corsham.

"Even now he is ill he is still very much part of the club and comes to every match he can. It is terrible this disease has struck him but he is determined to beat it.

"His attitude is fantastic but it is so cruel. He was always so fit and healthy and did not smoke or really drink. It just shows that no one is safe from this disease.'

Chippenham chairman Sandie Webb added: "Woodsy is one of the most popular players we've had at Hardenhuish Park in recent years. Everybody wanted to do something to help and this match will give us the chance.''

Woods, 32, is showing the same commitment and dedication he put into his football in beating the illness.

He is nearly at the end of his intensive course of chemotherapy and is hoping that a scan next month will show the cancer is in decline.

He has returned to work at his uncle Michael's company First Hygiene in Worton, near Devizes, and goes to every Corsham match he can.

He was in his assistant manager's position on the bench next to Colin Bush for his team's victory over Bemerton Heath in the Wiltshire Senior Cup final on Wednesday and travelled to Bridport on Saturday.

He said: "It I am not having treatment I go to the matches. I am trying to keep things as normal as I can and to make the most of every moment.

"The team is doing really well and that gives me a boost. All the lads are great and when I am there with them I feel normal.

"I am not allowed to drink, not that I ever did really, but we went out for a meal in Bath on Saturday evening and that was nice.

"I just want to get to the end of my treatment and then hope the scan is good news. I am keeping as positive as I can and hope to be back playing next season."