Liverpool's legendary shot-stopper Bruce Grobbelaar to be guest speaker at charity ball in Spalding on October 12

One of football's most decorated goalkeepers will be the special guest at a charity ball in Spalding next month.

Former Liverpool "shot stopper" Bruce Grobbelaar, who won 13 major trophies in as many years at the famous club, is the star speaker for the Greatest Show Ball at South Holland Centre on Saturday, October 12, from 7pm.

The event has been organised by Holbeach Bank Football Club (FC) in memory of Joe McKeown who passed away in September 2017, aged just 43.

Money raised at the black tie event, which includes a three-course meal, disco and auction, will go to Diabetes UK and mental health charity Mind.

Rebecca Baxter, secretary of Holbeach Bank FC, said: "We held a charity ball last year because we wanted to do something for Joe who had diabetes.

"But rather than having a race night, we wanted to something a bit bigger so that everybody could dress up and have a good time.

"Last year's ball was a success, everyone enjoyed the night and we raised about £1,000 for Diabetes UK.

"This year, we're also raising money for Mind because many people, including footballers and people close to them, are affected by mental health problems.

"With the theme of this year's charity ball being the Greatest Showman, the event is going to be a great night."

Mr McKeown, who had a sister and two brothers, played for Holbeach United before he went on to manage the reserve team that won five trophies, including consecutive league titles.

Rebecca said: "Joe didn't actually play for Holbeach Bank but a lot of people who did played with him at some stage in their careers and so we want to bring everybody together and do something for Diabetes UK and Mind."

. Born in South Africa but having played football at international level for Zimbabwe, Bruce Grobbelaar is best remembered for his "wobbly-legged penalty heroics" for Liverpool in the 1984 European Cup success in Rome.

But during a 13-year career, Grobbelaar helped Liverpool to win six First Division (now Premier League) titles, three FA (Football Association) cups and three Football League cups.

One of the organisers behind the charity ball with Grobbelaar, nicknamed by rival fans as the "Clown Prince of goalkeepers", is Joe McKeown's sister-in-law Danielle McKeown.

She said: "Preparations are going really well for what will be a good night, with Bruce Grobbelaar and a few surprises as well.

"People know that we're doing it in memory of my brother-in-law and it's been two years since Joe passed away.

"But he's not forgotten and we want to keep his memory alive by raising money fof, and awareness of, diabetes which Joe had.

"A lot of people who came to last year's ball have bought tickets for this year and tables are also selling really well."

For tickets, call Danielle McKeown on 07957 784030 or Rebecca Baxter on 07969 246443.

Tributes to ‘one in, all in’ ex-Holbeach football coach

Holbeach Bank Football Club organises charity ball to remember Joe McKeown