A CHARITY football match, officiated by Premier League referee Mark Halsey, takes place this weekend in aid of a seriously injured WGC man.

In May, Matt Hignett, 27, crashed while riding his motorbike on his way to work at Hertfordshire Constabulary’s hi-tech crime unit.

He suffered a serious spinal cord injury leaving him permanently paralysed from the chest down – and he will be in a wheelchair for the rest of his life.

On Sunday at WGC Football Club, in Herns Lane, ‘Matt’s Friends 11’ will play against a Herts police team to help raise money for a wheelchair for Matt.

Pc Dean Perrett, captain of the police team, said: “We want to do everything we can to make Matt’s life as comfortable as possible when he leaves hospital.

“So please put the date in your diary and lend your support to help raise much-needed cash.”

The game has also won the support of Welwyn Hatfield MP Grant Shapps.

He said: “What happened to Matt as he set out for work back in May is almost unimaginable.

“Now that Matt is coming out of hospital he will face numerous practical challenges.

“The fact that he has such incredibly supportive friends and family will be really important.

“This charity football match will be an opportunity to widen the net of support for Matt.

“It’s a great idea and I know it will be part of many different ways to help Matt re-establish himself in WGC.”

The match kicks off at 2pm and will feature WGC-born Halsey, who returned to refereeing this season after overcoming throat cancer.

Tickets (available on the day) cost �5; children get in for free.

There will also be a disco at the venue afterwards.