TOWIE star Arg backs Smile for Joel ahead of charity match
A reality TV star is the latest celebrity to pledge his support to a charity set up by a Black Country family torn apart by the Tunisia terror attack.
James ‘Arg’ Argent, who appears in the hit ITV2 show The Only Way is Essex, visited Walsall’s Banks’s Stadium to vow to support the charity Smile for Joel ahead of a special football match taking place later this month.
Smile for Joel was founded by Walsall College travel and tourism lecturer, Suzy Richards, of Wednesbury.
The charity was set up in memory of her son, 19-year-old Joel Richards, her brother Adrian Evans, aged 49, and dad Patrick Evans, 78, who were all killed in the massacre at the holiday resort in Sousse in 2015.
All three were devoted Walsall FC fans.
The TOWIE star visited the stadium and spoke to fans ahead of the special charity match on May 13.
He also visited Wood Green Academy and Stuart Bathurst Catholic High School College of Performing Arts in Wednesbury and Walsall College to help drum up support. The match will pitch the Smiling Saddlers team, managed by glamour model Katie Price, against Compton Wolves, managed by singer Shayne Ward.
The match will also raise money for Compton Hospice and see other celebrities, including Calum Best, Jake Wood, Joe Calzaghe and Wayne Bridge attend.
Speaking about the visit, James said: “It’s an honour to be asked to play in the team as it’s for two great charities which touch many hearts. I’m looking forward to seeing people around Walsall turnout on the day and make it a great atmosphere.”
Suzy said of James’ visit: “We are extremely grateful to James and all the other celebrities who have confirmed their attendance at the match. We are hoping to raise a lot so we can continue to help other families in similar situations to ourselves
"If anyone hasn’t bought their tickets yet I would encourage them to do so as it will be a great family day out in aid of a good cause.”
The news comes after TV presenters Phillip Schofield and Holly Willoughby showed their support for Smile for Joel.
The pair donned Smile for Joel wristbands after Suzy Richards and her son Owen appeared on This Morning on March 1.
Comedian and actress Dawn French and pop star and The Voice judge Jennifer Hudson both backed the charity on the show.
All proceeds raised from the charity match, organised by Sellebrity Soccer and sponsored by Tile Choice, will be split equally between the two charities.
For more information and for tickets, visit www.eticketing.co.uk/walsallfc – tickets cost £10 for adults and £5 for children. VIP packages are also available for £35 or on 01922 651416. Or call 01922 651 416 between 9.15am to 4.30pm Monday to Friday.
Meanwhile, it has been announced that a fundraising fun run organised by the Smile for Joel charity is returning for a second time this year.
The inaugural Run for Joel in September last year was supported by thousands of people and raised £27,000.
This year’s event will take place on September 10.
