TWO football teams are reforming for a charity match in memory of PC Ryan Donaldson.

PC Donaldson, aged 31, died tragically in December 2022. He was serving with the Wrexham Rural policing team, and grew up in Buckley.

He represented both Buckley Town and Buckley Lions. As well as this he was a proud resident of Buckley and is described as having been a "well known, loved and respected member of the community".

He attended Mountain Lane Primary and later Elfed High School and worked in retail locally before joining North Wales Police in 2018.

On Sunday, April 16, a memorial match will be held at the Globe - Buckley Town FC's ground. A JustGiving page has been set up and has already raised over £700 for the Police Treatment Centres - a charity providing support to serving and retired officers who have experienced illness or injury. To donate to it, please visit https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/ryandonaldson.

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Kick off is at 1pm and the match will see two teams reformed years after their last game - with all proceeds going to the Police Treatment Centres. 

Buckley Town and Buckley Lions youth teams were fierce rivals. Their final match against each other took place in 2008 in the u16 category.

Daniel Melia, helping to organise the event, said: "The intense and competitive derby was decided by a late winner scored by none other than Buckley Town’s star striker - Ryan. A moment he cherished dearly and took great pleasure in reminding people of at every opportunity. 

"The two teams will play each other once more in his memory. With the same starting eleven players on each side and even the same managers.

"So please come along and support the two teams and enjoy watching some out of shape 30 somethings battle it out one last time."