Norwich City football legends played in a special charity match in Great Yarmouth on Sunday.

Almost 1,000 people attended the Wellesley Recreation Ground to watch legendary Canaries - including Ruel Fox, Darren Huckerby and Chris Sutton - participate in a charity contest titled "Football Against Dementia".

Great Yarmouth Mercury: NHS staff heading onto the pitch at Wellesley Recreation Ground in Great Yarmouth to play against NCFC legends in memory of Mike Sutton.NHS staff heading onto the pitch at Wellesley Recreation Ground in Great Yarmouth to play against NCFC legends in memory of Mike Sutton. (Image: Archant 2021)

The legends beat a team of local NHS Heroes 5-1 to raise awareness of dementia in honour of Chris' father, Mike Sutton, who died of the disease in December 2020.

Chris Sutton, former striker for Norwich, Celtic and Blackburn Rovers, said: "I've felt quite emotional today.

"I used to spend a lot of time at the Wellesley as a youngster in the late 70s and 80s.

"I have some great memories of coming to watch my dad play under Billy Punton.

"It was a lovely upbringing for us."

Great Yarmouth Mercury: Mike Sutton and Chris Sutton in 1994.Mike Sutton and Chris Sutton in 1994. (Image: Andrew Stenning)

As well as a midfielder for Norwich City, Chester, Carlisle United and Great Yarmouth Town Football Club (GYTFC), Mike Sutton was a teacher at Hellesdon High School.

"The number of messages I have received from his former pupils and young sports players makes me proud," Mr Sutton said.

"I feel honoured to be here and a part of this which is all for raising awareness of dementia and the dangers of heading a football.

"I've been campaigning for a long time now for more sensible measures to be put in place regarding headers and injury.

"It's a really nice thing that the club has done. A big thank you to GYTFC, the organisers and anyone who donated and took part today."

Great Yarmouth Mercury: Trevor Saunders, former GYTFC goalkeeper and managing director of Mandalay Wellbeing, who organised the charity football match.Trevor Saunders, former GYTFC goalkeeper and managing director of Mandalay Wellbeing, who organised the charity football match. (Image: James Weeds)

Trevor Saunders, managing director of Mandalay Wellbeing and ex-GYTFC goalkeeper, organised the event.

"It's been a great turnout," he said.

"The amount of legends that have come out to support Mike Sutton's memory and raise awareness against dementia has been brilliant."

Great Yarmouth Mercury: The NCFC legends v NHS staff match taking place in memory of Mike Sutton at Wellesley Recreation Ground in Great Yarmouth.The NCFC legends v NHS staff match taking place in memory of Mike Sutton at Wellesley Recreation Ground in Great Yarmouth. (Image: Archant 2021)

Dr Alisa Sheldon, of Nelson Medical Centre, won a football kit and donated it to Mr Saunders in the hope that it could be used for a good cause.

Dr Sheldon said: "It's been really emotional. We've all had a tough year including those working with the NHS.

"After the year we've all had, it's an amazing way to spend time with people outdoors."

Great Yarmouth Mercury: Spectators watching the NCFC legends v NHS staff match at Wellesley Recreation Ground in Great Yarmouth in memory of Mike Sutton.Spectators watching the NCFC legends v NHS staff match at Wellesley Recreation Ground in Great Yarmouth in memory of Mike Sutton. (Image: Archant 2021)

Mr Saunders will be committing more of his time to raising awareness of dementia. It is a cause close to his heart as his mother now suffers with the disease.

Great Yarmouth Mercury: Dr Rupert Talboys a GP at East Norfolk Medical Practice, scored a goal against Norwich City legends.Dr Rupert Talboys a GP at East Norfolk Medical Practice, scored a goal against Norwich City legends. (Image: James Weeds)

Dr Rupert Talboys, a GP at East Norfolk Medical Practice, said: "It was a great game and for a great cause.

"It's been fantastic to see so many people come out to support it.

"The game was very intense. I've never played in a match like this.

"There were so many ex-pros and some real legends, so it was tough, but great fun.

"I scored just as soon as I got on the pitch. I was still adjusting, but it just fell in front of me."

Great Yarmouth Mercury: Matthew McComas, a domestic assistant at James Paget University Hospital, was part of the NHS Heroes team.Matthew McComas, a domestic assistant at James Paget University Hospital, was part of the NHS Heroes team. (Image: James Weeds)

Matthew McComas, a domestic assistant at James Paget University Hospital, said: "It was an absolutely brilliant day.

"It was great to have a day out like this after such a long time indoors.

"It would have been amazing to have scored at least one more, but we came to fundraise, increase awareness of dementia and have fun.

"And we did all three."

Great Yarmouth Mercury: The NCFC legends v NHS staff match taking place in memory of Mike Sutton at Wellesley Recreation Ground in Great Yarmouth.The NCFC legends v NHS staff match taking place in memory of Mike Sutton at Wellesley Recreation Ground in Great Yarmouth. (Image: Archant 2021)

Players from the legends team:

  • Adrian Forbes
  • Ruel Fox
  • Rob Newman
  • Mike Milligan
  • Matthew Metcalf
  • Farke Knight
  • Stephen Blackett
  • Darren Huckerby
  • Grant Holt
  • Tom Casey
  • George Sutton
  • James Sutton
  • Harry Sutton
  • Frankie Sutton
  • Chris Sutton
  • Ollie Sutton

Great Yarmouth Mercury: The NCFC legends v NHS staff match taking place in memory of Mike Sutton at Wellesley Recreation Ground in Great Yarmouth.The NCFC legends v NHS staff match taking place in memory of Mike Sutton at Wellesley Recreation Ground in Great Yarmouth. (Image: Archant 2021)

Players for the NHS Heroes team:

  • Barry Crane
  • James Mitchell
  • Adam Clarke
  • Ben Flaxman
  • Shaun Barnes
  • Gary Beresford
  • Rickey Beresford
  • Liam Beresford
  • Matthew McComas
  • Carl Logan
  • Jordan Buckenham
  • Melvyn Hilsdon
  • Kevin Miller
  • Gary Ingram
  • Rupert Talboys
  • Lewis Muffett
  • Mark Cammock
  • Lee Flynn
  • Neil Hacon
  • Craig Lewis

Great Yarmouth Mercury: The NCFC legends v NHS staff match taking place in memory of Mike Sutton at Wellesley Recreation Ground in Great Yarmouth.The NCFC legends v NHS staff match taking place in memory of Mike Sutton at Wellesley Recreation Ground in Great Yarmouth. (Image: Archant 2021)

Great Yarmouth Mercury: The NCFC legends v NHS staff match taking place in memory of Mike Sutton at Wellesley Recreation Ground in Great Yarmouth.The NCFC legends v NHS staff match taking place in memory of Mike Sutton at Wellesley Recreation Ground in Great Yarmouth. (Image: Archant 2021)

Great Yarmouth Mercury: The NCFC legends v NHS staff match taking place in memory of Mike Sutton at Wellesley Recreation Ground in Great Yarmouth.The NCFC legends v NHS staff match taking place in memory of Mike Sutton at Wellesley Recreation Ground in Great Yarmouth. (Image: Archant 2021)

Great Yarmouth Mercury: Chris Sutton playing in a match dedicated to his father, Mike.Chris Sutton playing in a match dedicated to his father, Mike. (Image: Archant 2021)

Great Yarmouth Mercury: The NCFC legends v NHS staff match taking place in memory of Mike Sutton at Wellesley Recreation Ground in Great Yarmouth.The NCFC legends v NHS staff match taking place in memory of Mike Sutton at Wellesley Recreation Ground in Great Yarmouth. (Image: Archant 2021)

Great Yarmouth Mercury: The NCFC legends v NHS staff match taking place in memory of Mike Sutton at Wellesley Recreation Ground in Great Yarmouth.The NCFC legends v NHS staff match taking place in memory of Mike Sutton at Wellesley Recreation Ground in Great Yarmouth. (Image: Archant 2021)

Great Yarmouth Mercury: The NCFC legends v NHS staff match taking place in memory of Mike Sutton at Wellesley Recreation Ground in Great Yarmouth.The NCFC legends v NHS staff match taking place in memory of Mike Sutton at Wellesley Recreation Ground in Great Yarmouth. (Image: Archant 2021)

Great Yarmouth Mercury: Grant Holt was a member of the 'Legends' squad.Grant Holt was a member of the 'Legends' squad. (Image: Archant 2021)

Great Yarmouth Mercury: The NCFC legends v NHS staff match taking place in memory of Mike Sutton at Wellesley Recreation Ground in Great Yarmouth.The NCFC legends v NHS staff match taking place in memory of Mike Sutton at Wellesley Recreation Ground in Great Yarmouth. (Image: Archant 2021)

Great Yarmouth Mercury: The NCFC legends v NHS staff match taking place in memory of Mike Sutton at Wellesley Recreation Ground in Great Yarmouth.The NCFC legends v NHS staff match taking place in memory of Mike Sutton at Wellesley Recreation Ground in Great Yarmouth. (Image: Archant 2021)

Great Yarmouth Mercury: Ruel Fox making a tackle as Grant Holt watches on - The NCFC legends v NHS staff match taking place in memory of Mike Sutton at Wellesley Recreation Ground in Great Yarmouth.Ruel Fox making a tackle as Grant Holt watches on - The NCFC legends v NHS staff match taking place in memory of Mike Sutton at Wellesley Recreation Ground in Great Yarmouth. (Image: Archant 2021)

Great Yarmouth Mercury: The NCFC legends v NHS staff match taking place in memory of Mike Sutton at Wellesley Recreation Ground in Great Yarmouth.The NCFC legends v NHS staff match taking place in memory of Mike Sutton at Wellesley Recreation Ground in Great Yarmouth. (Image: Archant 2021)

Great Yarmouth Mercury: The NCFC legends v NHS staff match taking place in memory of Mike Sutton at Wellesley Recreation Ground in Great Yarmouth.The NCFC legends v NHS staff match taking place in memory of Mike Sutton at Wellesley Recreation Ground in Great Yarmouth. (Image: Archant 2021)

Great Yarmouth Mercury: The NCFC legends v NHS staff match taking place in memory of Mike Sutton at Wellesley Recreation Ground in Great Yarmouth.The NCFC legends v NHS staff match taking place in memory of Mike Sutton at Wellesley Recreation Ground in Great Yarmouth. (Image: Archant 2021)

Great Yarmouth Mercury: Adrian Forbes in action during The NCFC legends v NHS staff match taking place in memory of Mike Sutton at Wellesley Recreation Ground in Great Yarmouth.Adrian Forbes in action during The NCFC legends v NHS staff match taking place in memory of Mike Sutton at Wellesley Recreation Ground in Great Yarmouth. (Image: Archant 2021)

Great Yarmouth Mercury: The NCFC legends v NHS staff match taking place in memory of Mike Sutton at Wellesley Recreation Ground in Great Yarmouth.The NCFC legends v NHS staff match taking place in memory of Mike Sutton at Wellesley Recreation Ground in Great Yarmouth. (Image: Archant 2021)

Great Yarmouth Mercury: The NCFC legends v NHS staff match taking place in memory of Mike Sutton at Wellesley Recreation Ground in Great Yarmouth.The NCFC legends v NHS staff match taking place in memory of Mike Sutton at Wellesley Recreation Ground in Great Yarmouth. (Image: Archant 2021)

Great Yarmouth Mercury: Rob Newman and Paul Gibbs were also on the NCFC legends side.Rob Newman and Paul Gibbs were also on the NCFC legends side. (Image: Archant 2021)

Great Yarmouth Mercury: The NCFC legends v NHS staff match taking place in memory of Mike Sutton at Wellesley Recreation Ground in Great Yarmouth.The NCFC legends v NHS staff match taking place in memory of Mike Sutton at Wellesley Recreation Ground in Great Yarmouth. (Image: Archant 2021)

Great Yarmouth Mercury: Chris Sutton during the NCFC Legends versus NHS heroes match at Great Yarmouth Football Club.Chris Sutton during the NCFC Legends versus NHS heroes match at Great Yarmouth Football Club. (Image: Archant 2021)

Great Yarmouth Mercury: Ruel Fox combined with Chris Sutton for the opening goal.Ruel Fox combined with Chris Sutton for the opening goal. (Image: Archant 2021)

Great Yarmouth Mercury: Darren Huckerby in action for the NCFC legends team.Darren Huckerby in action for the NCFC legends team. (Image: Archant 2021)

Great Yarmouth Mercury: Darren Huckerby, Grant Holt and Chris Sutton in action at a charity game in memory of Mike Sutton.Darren Huckerby, Grant Holt and Chris Sutton in action at a charity game in memory of Mike Sutton. (Image: Archant 2021)

Great Yarmouth Mercury: Chris Sutton watches on during the charity game at Great Yarmouth FC.Chris Sutton watches on during the charity game at Great Yarmouth FC. (Image: Archant 2021)

Great Yarmouth Mercury: Spectators watching the NCFC legends v NHS staff match at Wellesley Recreation Ground in Great Yarmouth in memory of Mike Sutton.Spectators watching the NCFC legends v NHS staff match at Wellesley Recreation Ground in Great Yarmouth in memory of Mike Sutton. (Image: Archant 2021)

Great Yarmouth Mercury: Spectators watching the NCFC legends v NHS staff match at Wellesley Recreation Ground in Great Yarmouth in memory of Mike Sutton.Spectators watching the NCFC legends v NHS staff match at Wellesley Recreation Ground in Great Yarmouth in memory of Mike Sutton. (Image: Archant 2021)

Great Yarmouth Mercury: Spectators watching the NCFC legends v NHS staff match at Wellesley Recreation Ground in Great Yarmouth in memory of Mike Sutton.Spectators watching the NCFC legends v NHS staff match at Wellesley Recreation Ground in Great Yarmouth in memory of Mike Sutton. (Image: Archant 2021)