RODNEY Parade will host a special football match next month to raise the awareness of organ donation, featuring teams of celebrities and organ transplant recipients - including one man who went on to become the first footballer to play professionally following a heart transplant.

The game is being played in the city after Simon Keith received his heart from a donor in Newport.

The donor - whose identity will remain anonymous - was a 17-year-old who died from a brain haemorrhage.

Mr Keith will captain the transplant team – Transplant Sport - in the Match for Life game on Saturday April 30.

The former footballer, who is one of the world’s longest surviving heart transplant recipients having received his second heart 30 years ago, said: “Within me beats the heart of an incredible young Welsh man, whose loss of life enabled me to live mine."

“Since receiving this gift of life, I have dedicated my time advocating for organ donation,” added Mr Keith, who now lives in Las Vegas, after plying his trade in a Canadian league which has since disbanded.

“I am proud and honoured to lead this amazing team of transplant athletes, and we promise to give the celebrity players and spectators a game they won’t forget.”

Opposing Mr Keith’s team will be a team of celebrities, led by Newport County coach and ex-professional Mike Flynn.

Full team lists for both sides are yet to be announced, but will be done so in the run up to the game set to take place after County’s game against Notts County on the same day.

The special match has been organised Richard Parker, a friend of the anonymous donor from the city, who is involved with Yellow Hat, a non-profit organisation which seeks to use sports to raise money and help individuals in need of support.

Mr Parker said: “Getting to know Simon and his family these last few years, I realise what an amazing legacy has come from my friend’s passing 30 years ago.

“Organising The Match for Life is my way of raising awareness of the amazing gift organ donation can give.”

Entrance to the game on April 30 is complimentary.

For more information, visit transplantsport.org.uk, yellow-hat.org.uk or thesimonkeithfoundation.com