Cardiff City stars united in Newport for Luca (From South Wales Argus)

Cardiff City stars united in Newport for Luca

12:20pm Monday 25th June 2012 in Gwent news

MORE than 1,000 people gathered in Newport yesterday to watch past and present Cardiff City players take on a local team in aid of the For Luca campaign.

Current and former City players including Jeff Eckhardt, Robert Earnshaw and Mike Ford took on a local team called For Luca United.

The event, which saw Cardiff City players win 8-3, was to raise funds for local boy Luca Williams who lost his legs after being struck down by meningococcal septicaemia in January.

The campaign aims to raise £1.5 million to fund special prosthetics.

The charity match was organised by Mr Eckhardt and his wife Tiffany.

Mr Eckhardt said: “It’s been a great turnout and the weather came good. It’s always good to meet up and play with the boys.

“This is the third match we’ve done this year for charity.”

Mr Eckhardt suggested playing for the campaign due to his daughter Libby attending Pentrepoeth Primary School where Luca’s mother Sian Williams teaches.

Luca was also at the event with his family. His dad, Mo Syed said: “I’m extremely pleased.

“It’s great that so many people have come to show their support.”