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Whaplode Drove Rovers versus Yaxley Football Club match in aid of The LimbBo Foundation to say thank you for the help given to a brave Crowland youngster




Football players will be supporting a brave youngster who has a rare genetic condition.

Nicole Pearce’s son Oaklen, two, from Crowland has been in and out of hospital since birth and now a football game has been organised for The LimbBo Foundation, which has supported the family.

Oaklen’s uncle Harrison Pearce plays for Whaplode Drove Rovers and, with help from Emma Pearce, Oaklen’s nana, the family has arranged a friendly fundraiser against Yaxley Football CLub tonight, (Tuesday, October 22) - with a surprise gift from the chairman.

Proud mum Nicole and Oaklen. PHOTO: SUBMITTED
Proud mum Nicole and Oaklen. PHOTO: SUBMITTED

Nicole said: “When no one really understood, LimbBo became a family and they can help others like they helped me.

“The football club has rallied round to raise as much as possible for the foundation.

“It is so amazing.”

Oaklen painting. PHOTO: SUBMITTED
Oaklen painting. PHOTO: SUBMITTED

Bringing awareness to Oaklen’s medical condition is close to the heart of David Cattermoul, chairman of Yaxley Football Club, who is gifting lifetime club membership to Nicole and Oaklen.

He said: “I was contacted by Emma Pearce, Harrison and Nicole’s mum, who reached out to get something going.

“It holds a special place in my heart as I have a nephew who has limb differences and I want to help out if I can.

Oaklen wears specialist shoes to help balance the differences in his legs. PHOTO: SUBMITTED
Oaklen wears specialist shoes to help balance the differences in his legs. PHOTO: SUBMITTED

“My advice to the family is to stay strong and they only have to ask and we will help.”

Tonight’s kick-off at 8pm at Yaxley Football Ground will show Nicole and Oaklen just how much support they have from their community as they watch Harrison and the teams play - although who wins is not important.

Danny Lenihan, manager of Whaplode Drove Rovers first team said: “Oaklen’s uncle, Harrison, is one of my boys.

Oaklen experiences mobility issues. PHOTO: SUBMITTED
Oaklen experiences mobility issues. PHOTO: SUBMITTED

“It is important to us as we are a family built club - his family is our family - it is good for Oaklen to see how many people are there for him.

“Grassroots football is also about the wider community and to help each other out.”

Next year Nicole will be doing a skydive in aid of the foundation and tonight’s match is another way to raise funds.

Oaklen Pearce has been in and out of hospital due to his unnamed rare genetic condition that affects his limbs. PHOTO: SUBMITTED
Oaklen Pearce has been in and out of hospital due to his unnamed rare genetic condition that affects his limbs. PHOTO: SUBMITTED

Emma said: “Harrison didn’t fancy jumping out of a plane - he is not that brave - but he wanted to do something and he has always played football.

“We hope to see as many people down there supporting both clubs.

“Oaklen is an incredible little boy, cheeky and happy and he just gets on with it - he is Nana’s little terror.”

Oaklen is described as ‘cheeky and incredible’: PHOTO: SUBMITTED
Oaklen is described as ‘cheeky and incredible’: PHOTO: SUBMITTED

Katie Dengel set up The LimbBo Foundation with her husband Adam when they found out at their 20 week scan that son Tommy was missing his right arm from Amniotic Band Syndrome.

She said: “We appreciate everyone for their support.

“Without amazing people like them, the foundation wouldn't have the funding to run.

“Every penny of fundraising goes to LimbBo children and their families, to put on free events so they can meet others like them, and support an expecting parent of a limb different baby.

“We would like to say a big thankyou to everyone for the support.”

There will be collection buckets at the game, which is free entry for supporters, and donations can also be made to Nicole’s online fundraising page.

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