Sheffield United announced that Chris Basham’s testimonial match will take place on Sunday May 4 at Bramall Lane, with all profits going to Weston Park Cancer Charity.

Chris Basham announced his retirement in late August, after suffering a horrific injury when he broke his leg against Fulham in October 2023. He played for the Blades for 10 years, making 344 appearances.

The Sheffield United team, led by Chris Wilder, will showcase most of the 2016/17 League One title-winning heroes. They will take on a Sky Sports Select Team + Guests at the Lane.

All profits from this special event will go to the Weston Park Cancer Charity. They want to bring a breakthrough MRI simulator cancer scanning machine, but they need help.

Mr Basham said: “I am thrilled to have been given this opportunity to say one final goodbye and thanks to the Blades fans for the unwavering support during my time with the club.

“More importantly, this is also an opportunity to raise funds for the Weston Park Scanner Appeal, a charity I know will be close to the hearts of many Sheffielders.

“It promises to be a brilliant afternoon at the Lane, and I am really excited about donning the red and white stripes one last time.”

Sheffield United’s provisional squad includes Billy Sharp, Jack O’Connell, John Fleck, Mark Duffy, Paul Coutts, Leon Clarke, Kieron Freeman, Jake Wright, Matt Done and James Hanson.

Mr Wilder said: “Bash deserves it 100%. Bash and other boys have not really had the send off they deserve for their contributions from 16/17 right the way through have been absolutely amazing and a load of other players, the likes of Enda Stevens, John Fleck. 

“The skipper hasn’t really had the send off he deserved and I hope there’s a game for him down the line because he definitely deserves it and he’s been a major part of putting this together as well.

“First come about by my wife, Francesca, being asked to raise money for an incredibly important piece of kit, a scanner that will change lives in South Yorkshire for a long long time. It’s an amazing charity, I think everybody’s been touched by it.

“It will be a magical day. A sell out is the aim.”

The game is set to be played one day after the EFL Championship’s final matchday. Sheffield United will face Blackburn Rovers, with fans hoping to celebrate Premier League promotion on May 3rd to make the Big Charity Bash even more festive.

Matthieu Grospeaud, 20, student and Sheffield United fan, said: “This is a great initiative. Being able to see this team one final time will definitely attract loads of fans.

“Let’s hope that the party is even better if we manage to make it to the Premier League on the Saturday!”

Sean Saunders, 39, Advertising manager and Sheffield United fan said: “Bash has been a faithful servant for us on the field for nigh on a decade until he retired, and for him to want to do this for a local charity, speaks about his character and the kind of guy he is. 

“It’ll be great to see him on the grass again alongside Billy and Fleck, albeit it’ll bring back some great memories of that balmy day at Northampton!

“I think it’s a fantastic event and something a lot of Blades have been asking for.

“Basham is a club legend who never got the send-off he deserved due to his horrific injury. A lot of players involved in it also never really got the departure they deserved, namely Billy Sharp but also Fleck is a legend who left pretty unceremoniously which was a big shame.

“Charity aspect is also very good. I’m not sure there’s a single person who’s grown up in this city and doesn’t know someone who’s been affected by cancer. As the gaffer said, it’ll be a Sheffield-wide event not just a Blades event, it’s a wonderful cause.”