Mansfield MP is ready for this summer's big football event

In 2018 they raised £3,150 for the National Autistic Society, and they've gone from strength to strength.

Last year was bigger and better, with the game and family events at the Forest Town Arena bringing in almost £6000 for the Kings Mill toy appeal.

This year the game will be played for both the toy appeal and the charity Once Upon A Smile, who support families after the death of a loved one.

We've got some work to do on the pitch, to be honest, after last year.

We play against a team of celebrities who regularly support the Once Upon A Smile charity.

They brought some real big names in 2019, which included former Manchester United players Wes Brown and Chris Eagles – who were quite good, as it happens.

So the guys have been training for weeks, working hard to make sure it's a competitive game on June 13.

It's always a great event and this year Russ and Craig are pulling out all the stops, with more family events and attractions than ever before.

Come down on the day and get involved, search FrenBot 2020 on Facebook to find more details.

I wanted to highlight the event for a number of reasons.

First because it's great fun and I'd encourage people to come along, get involved and raise money for a great cause.

The second reason is because it's an example of the amazing hard work and collaboration that happens in our community.

When the town comes together in this way, it's something we can all be proud of.

Whether people get involved with organising, playing football, donating prizes or coming along and spending a few quid on the day, so many will step up and help a good cause.

I wanted to use my column this week to say thank you to Russell and Craig, but also to everyone else who makes things like this happen.

To those who fight for good causes and are willing to commit the time and energy to making a difference, thank you.

Ben Bradley is MP for Mansfield.