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7/ 5/2008

A ‘WHO’S Who’ of the footballing world is set to descend on Boundary Park for Ernie Cooksey’s fundraising game on Sunday.

Organisers of the fixture – which now kicks off at 1pm – say they have been overwhelmed by the response to news of the player’s plight in recent weeks.

Last month the 27-year-old midfielder told the Advertiser about his shock battle with malignant melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer.

Fans’ fundraising efforts are now focused on finding $100,000 to pay for a full course of a pioneering new treatment from the United States, which is not yet available on the NHS.

Martin Thomas, organiser, said: "The messages and offers of support we’ve been getting have been incredible.

"On Sunday it’s all about getting bums on seats and we’re appealing to everyone to attend what we think will be a fantastic family day out.  There are coachloads of fans coming from all Ernie’s other clubs – Boston United, Grays Athletic and Rochdale – so we’re now just asking all Latics fans to do their bit and turn out in numbers."

A variety of events has raised around £32,000 so far, allowing Cooksey, whose partner Louise is expecting their first child in two months, to have his first course of treatment from a Harley Street specialist.

The US drugs aim to cut off the blood flow to his tumours but its effectiveness can not be gauged until the player undergoes a new scan next week.

Club mascots travelling from across the country to take part in a half-time ‘five-a-side’ game on Sunday, a week after Latics’ supporters chanted Cooksey’s name throughout the club’s final league game at Crewe.

A THOUSAND souvenir match programmes – paid for by fans’ group Trust Oldham – will be for sale on the day at £2. Every penny raised on the day will go towards Cooksey’s treatment.