Dress For Success

Cast your eyes around Old Trafford any day of the week and you’re likely to see plenty of young fans clad in their United shirts. And thanks to the ‘Wear What U Want Day’ campaign, in aid of The New Children’s Hospital Appeal, youngsters will also have the chance to don their red shirts at school should they wish.

Paul Scholes and Edwin van der Sar have given their backing to the fundraiser and recently met a group of youngsters at Carrington to promote awareness about the non-uniform day, which takes place on Friday 10 October.

 In return for wearing their own clothes, each child will be asked to make a donation of £1 to the Appeal, which is aiming to raise £20million to provide state-of-the-art equipment and facilities for the new children’s hospital, due to open in Manchester in 2009.

 “I hope lots of people will get involved with the ‘Wear What U Want Day,’” said Scholes. “Maybe even some of them will wear their United shirts! It was always fun at school to not have to wear your uniform for the day and to be able to raise money for a great charity at the same time makes it even better.”

Fifty schools across the North West participated in last year’s event which generated over £13,000. Each school taking part this year will be entered into two prize draws. The first four picked at random from draw one will receive a visit from former Red and Appeal Patron Phil Neville to thank pupils for their contribution. The now Everton skipper will also answer questions about his experiences playing for United, England and current club. He will also explain to youngsters how their support will go towards helping the children who will use the new hospital.

The second prize draw gives participating schools the chance to win £1,000 worth of sports equipment kindly donated by JD Sports.

For more information and to download a registration form, please visit: www.newchildrenshospitalappeal.org.uk.