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Lowfield will play host to a truly special occasion on Sunday 19th April, as Hoddesdon Town Football Club comes together for a heartfelt charity match in support of one of its most cherished figures. In what promises to be an emotional and memorable afternoon, Hoddesdon Town 1st XI will take on a Hoddesdon Town Legends XI — all in aid of Essex & Herts Air Ambulance and in support of club icon Jeff Cross.

Kick-off is at 2pm at The Stewart Edwards Stadium, and while there will be plenty of footballing intrigue on show, this is a day that goes far beyond the result.

Jeff Cross is a familiar name around Lowfield — he is woven into the very fabric of the club. Hoddesdon’s all-time record appearance holder, Cross captained the first team throughout the 1990s and remains one of the most respected and admired figures in its history. A leader on the pitch and a role model off it, his contribution to the club spans generations. Today, he continues to give back as assistant manager of the current first team, helping shape the next era of Hoddesdon Town football.

Now, the club turns out for him.

This charity fixture forms part of Jeff’s fundraising efforts ahead of the 2026 London Marathon, which he will run in memory of his late wife, Joanne. Her passing in January 2025 left an immeasurable void, and Jeff’s decision to take on the marathon — and organise events like this — is both a tribute to her life and a mission to support a cause that stood by his family in their darkest hour.

Speaking through his fundraising page, Jeff shared a deeply moving account of his motivation:

“On 25th January 2025, I lost my beautiful wife, Joanne. She was taken from us far too soon, and not a day goes by that she isn’t missed. Joanne was an incredible wife, a devoted mum, a loving daughter, sister, auntie, and friend. She touched so many lives, and the hole she has left behind can never truly be filled.”

It was on that devastating day that Essex & Herts Air Ambulance Trust attended Jeff’s home, providing critical emergency care and, just as importantly, ongoing support in the aftermath.

“While their immediate medical care was vital, what has meant just as much is the compassion and kindness they have shown us since. What many people don’t realise is that EHAAT’s work doesn’t end at the scene — they continue to support families through the unimaginable pain of sudden and traumatic loss.”

Jeff’s marathon run on 26th April 2026 will be in Joanne’s memory — and this match at Lowfield is one of several fundraising events designed to raise as much as possible for the charity that has meant so much to his family.

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Sunday’s fixture will see a Hoddesdon Town Legends XI assembled to take on the current first team — a side that Jeff himself helps manage. It promises to be a unique spectacle, with former teammates and club heroes returning to the pitch to roll back the years.

Whilst the legends team is yet to be confirmed, the most loyal Lilywhite supporters will be hoping to see the likes of:

• Jeff Cross
• Mark Foster
• Tony Dalli
• Ian Barnes
• Phil Barnes
• Alex Clarke
• Spencer Knight
• Neil Conner
• Paul Mann
• Richie Simmonds
• Joel Miller
• Pablo Ardiles
• Ian White
• Barry White
• Richard Howard
• Dave Russel
• Gary Cummins
• Gary Laffar
• Mel Musa
• Mark Kozak
• Alan Moore
• Ray Greenall
• Paul Surridge
• And many more...

For supporters, it’s a chance to relive a golden era. Many of those expected to feature alongside Jeff were part of the spine of Hoddesdon sides that defined the 1990s — teams built on camaraderie, commitment, and the kind of leadership that Cross embodied week in, week out. The thought of those familiar faces pulling on the shirt once more is sure to stir memories among the Lowfield faithful.

But this is no mere nostalgia trip.

There’s a competitive edge to the occasion too, as the current first team — riding the energy and intensity of the modern game — take on a group fuelled by pride, experience, and a point to prove. With Jeff straddling both camps as assistant manager and Legends captain, there’s an added narrative thread that only football can provide.

Off the pitch, the day will be packed with activities designed to bring the whole community together. A raffle featuring some fantastic prizes will give supporters the chance to contribute while potentially taking home something special, while a penalty shootout competition offers fans the opportunity to step into the spotlight themselves.

The bar will of course be open throughout the event, with Lowfield365 Members enjoying 20% discount off of their round.

At its heart, though, this is about people. It’s about a football club rallying around one of its own. It’s about honouring a life, supporting a family, and recognising the incredible work of a charity that saves lives and supports those left behind. And it’s about doing what football does best — bringing people together.

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All funds raised will go directly to Essex & Herts Air Ambulance, helping them continue their vital, life-saving and life-changing work across the region. As Jeff himself puts it:

“This run is for her — and for the hope that, through continued support and funding, other families might be spared the heartbreak we now live with every day.”

There will also be opportunities to donate on the day, including via the QR code on the poster at the top of this article, ensuring that everyone attending can play their part in supporting the cause.

For Hoddesdon Town, this is a moment of unity, reflection, and gratitude. A chance to celebrate a true club legend, support an incredible charity, and show what community football is all about.

Be there. Support Jeff. Support EHAAT. And be part of something special.

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#COYL