The story behind “A Game for Claire”

Sandeep Gill, a Partner in our Serious Injury team discusses the recent charity football match that he helped organise to raise funds the Prop Appeal, a fund managed by the Cardiff & Vale Health Charity which supports patients and families going through brain injury rehabilitation.

On Friday 25 October 2024, at the PROP Blue Tie Ball, I spoke to my fellow fundraiser committee member, Len Nokes, about arranging a charity football match at Cardiff City Stadium to raise some funds for PROP. Len, being the true gentleman that he is, loved the idea and said, “I’m sure that this is something we can do.” He said he would speak to the club and get back to me.

Within a matter of days, Len called to confirm that the club had agreed to host the match — and better yet, at no cost to the charity. We would have full use of the facilities, stewards, a medical team, and marketing support to promote the event. I was delighted. The initial plan was to have a team of lawyers face a team of doctors, nurses and therapists connected to the brain injury rehab unit at Llandough Hospital. We would all “pay to play” and aim to raise further funds through sponsorship.

Len suggested I join him and his “events committee” one evening at the local pub to discuss the match. The committee — David Giles, Ian Walsh and Mark Ring — were all legends in their own right.

David Giles, the only person (I believe) to have played for Cardiff, Wrexham, Swansea and Newport, and a former Wales international midfielder with 12 caps to his name.

Ian Walsh, the striker who helped Wales to that famous 4–1 win over England in 1980 and went on to become a respected pundit and broadcaster.

Mark Ring, one of Welsh rugby’s most gifted and flamboyant players — a genuine icon of the 80s and early 90s.

And of course, Dr Len Nokes himself, a cornerstone of Welsh sport, known for his decades of service and compassion as a team doctor for Wales and Cardiff City.

From the moment I met them, they welcomed me into their committee with warmth and humour. What was instantly clear was their deep affection for Len and their shared desire to honour his daughter Claire’s memory.

That evening, my modest idea of a “doctors v lawyers” match was politely shelved. In its place, the committee proposed something far more ambitious — a Cardiff City Legends XI versus an All-Stars XI, packed with former professionals and personalities from across Welsh sport and entertainment.

Len agreed to reach out to his contacts, and the response was immediate and overwhelming — over 30 former players volunteered without hesitation.

What followed was months of collaboration, organisation and sheer goodwill from all involved. And on Friday 9 May 2025, it all came to life at Cardiff City Stadium.

Over 2,000 tickets were sold. The match was a thrilling 4–4 draw, ending with a dramatic penalty shootout victory for the Cardiff City XI. But the real victory was off the pitch.

So far, we have raised over £32,500, and donations are still coming in. Every pound raised will support patients and families going through the toughest of times — and help them access the care, rehabilitation and hope they deserve.

To everyone who contributed:

Thank you.

To those who played, volunteered, donated, sponsored, or simply turned up to cheer — you made this happen.

To Cardiff City FC — thank you for opening your doors and your hearts.

To the Committee – Gilo, Walshy, and Ringo — thank you for your vision, experience, humour and generosity. None of this would have happened without you.

To Len — thank you for your trust, your passion, and your quiet strength.

And to Claire — your memory continues to inspire love, unity, and hope.

Until next time.