CHARITY representatives from Anthony Nolan will be looking for potential lifesavers at this weekend's Olly Wilkes Memorial Football Tournament.

Football coach Simon Wilkes is organising the tournament, taking place this Saturday (June 22) at Thorns Collegiate Academy, in memory of his son Olly, who took his own life at the age of 22.

The event will raise funds for Stourbridge's Justice for Ryan campaign in memory of Ryan Passey but Mr Wilkes hopes it will also provide a boost for the Anthony Nolan charity.

Representatives from Anthony Nolan, which helps people with blood cancer, will be attending the event to take swabs from anyone interested in becoming a potential stem cell donor.

Mr Wilkes, who sufferers from a rare blood cancer, invited charity reps to last year's tournament for Olly and 52 potential lifesavers signed up to join the stem cell register; 21 people also signed up at a charity football event in 2017 at the War Memorial Ground where Mr Wilkes was fundraising.

He said: "It's a passion of mine. I've asked them to come again. I'm determined to get another 27 signed up, then I've done my bit and got 100 signed up."

Representatives from the charity will be at the tournament from 11.30am to 2.20pm.

Charity bosses say a stem cell transplant from a matching donor could be the last chance of survival for someone with blood cancer and Mr Wilkes added: "I know quite a few people that needed one and just passed away. That's how important it is."

Anyone in good health and aged 16 to 30 can sign up to join the stem cell register.

Mr Wilkes is hoping the recent poor weather subsides in time for the tournament which will be followed by an auction and raffle at The Tenth Lock, Delph Road, Brierley Hill.

A host of football related prizes will be up for grabs including a signed framed Jeff Astle T shirt, with programme from the 1968 FA Cup Final; a signed framed Brazil shirt with signatures of players including legendary stars Pelé and Kaká; and a ball signed by England great Nobby Stiles.

Mr Wilkes said: "It's all systems go now, fingers crossed on the weather. We have had a great response on everything so far, we just need the community to come out and support us."

The event will run from 9.30am to 4pm and will include a barbecue, refreshments, facepainting, tombola, target shootout and more.

For more details go to The Olly Wilkes Memorial Football Tournament 2019 Facebook page.