Birmingham game dedicated to Remembrance Day activity
Lance Bombardier Ben Parkinson MBE was Town’s Guest of Honour as the Club paid its respects at its dedicated Remembrance Game against Birmingham City on Saturday.
Ben was a paratrooper and suffered more than 40 injuries in a bomb attack in Afghanistan in 2006. As well as brain damage which affected his memory and speech, he also broke his pelvis, his back in four places, shattered his arm and chest and lost both legs.
After previously visiting Huddersfield Town as the Club’s special guest for a game against Sheffield Wednesday in 2012, Ben returned for Saturday’s fixture.
After meeting the players pre-match, Ben joined Huddersfield Town Chairman Dean Hoyle and Manager Mark Robins at pitch side ahead of kick-off to observe a minute’s silence in honour of those who have lost their lives defending our country, during which time the bugler from the Yorkshire Band of the Royal British Legion played the Last Post.
The 4th Battalion Yorkshire Regiment was also on the pitch flag bearing during this time, whilst club partner Rastrick Juniors formed the prestigious Guard of Honour.
Ben then reappeared to draw the Golden Gamble numbers during the half-time interval; click HERE to find out if you were a winner. After Ben talked with match day announcer Paul Ramsden, the Yorkshire Band of the Royal British Legion Corps of Drums performed on the pitch.
Town’s players also sported the famous poppy emblem on their match day shirts – those shirts will be auctioned this week, with proceeds going to the Royal British Legion. Keep checking htafc.com for full details later this week.
Military groups from all over Huddersfield were in attendance at the game as part of the Club’s ‘Tickets for Troops’ initiative.
Also on Saturday, suspended top scorer James Vaughan packed out Canalside with an hour-long pre-match question and answer session.
Winger Adam Hammill – named Man of the Match on Saturday by sponsor Strikes CS – also picked up his Blue & White Foundation October Player of the Month award ahead of kick-off.
The next generation of Huddersfield Town fans also got a pre-match treat, picking up their replica shirts from Martin Paterson as part of the Terrier 7s initiative; click HERE for more info.
Town are back on home soil on 30 November when Burnley are the opponents; click HERE to buy tickets now!
