Festive fundraisers will take over iceSheffield during December when 46 supporters of the Sheffield Children’s Hospital Charity take to the ice for the third annual ‘Christmas Classic’ ice hockey match.

Organised by friends Matthew Newton, Craig Smith and James Hague, players from as young as six to skaters in their mid-50s have signed up to take part and are currently hard at work with their individual fundraising.

Funds from the event will towards the hospital’s Christmas campaign which is aiming to buy a giant play tower, providing a space where patients can go for relaxation and to take a break from treatment.

Every pound donated to the campaign will be matched by Graham Royle of the GRI Group – meaning everything raised through the Christmas Classic event will be doubled.

In previous years the teams have played in full elf and Father Christmas costumes and this year will be playing in Christmas pudding and Christmas cracker inspired outfits.

“Last year we just had a winner’s trophy – but this time I’m also looking at getting a trophy for the highest adult and child fundraisers,” said Newton.

“As a team we’re already into four figures with our fundraising and we’re confident that we’ll hit our £5,000 target.

“The money is raised mainly through Just Giving, but we’ve also got ticket sales, a raffle and cake sales.

“We’ve been organising the event since June and we’ve got a lot of friends who help us out to try to make it as enjoyable as possible.

“Shaun and Linda Cutts from Northern Groundcare have supported and sponsored the event from the start too – so I’d like to say a massive thank you to them.

“I’ve been to the hospital and I’ve seen where the money goes and what the charity are doing – it is such a worthy cause.

“I’ve got three kids myself – my son was in there the week before last and I spent time there myself as a baby.

Community Fundraiser for The Children’s Hospital Charity Cheryl Davidson, said: “We’re so proud to see how much effort all of the Christmas Classic skaters are putting into this event and we’re sure it will be a huge success.

“We want to say a massive well done and thank you to everyone involved. What you’re doing means such a lot to the poorly children at our hospital – especially for those who may need to stay on the wards over the festive period.”

The event is scheduled for Monday 19th December (8.15pm). Tickets are available on the door and cost £5 for a family of two adults and two children, £3 for an individual adult and a donation for an individual child.

To sponsor a player please click here or if you’re looking for other ways to raise money for the charity, please sign up for the National Elf Service event on Friday 16th December.