Teams representing Scotty’s Little Soldiers and the Armed Forces are playing in a rugby match scheduled to last around 25 hours and end around noon on Saturday.
The Red Devils parachute display team delivered the matchball to Welford Road, home of the Leicester Tigers, and the RAF Wives Choir sang the national anthem before play got under way at 11am on Friday.
The teams will play throughout the day in a 15-a-side full contact match, and play through the night in an attempt to set a world record, beating the figure set previously by Congleton RFC.
As well as the rugby, Welford Road is hosting Scotty's Little Soldiers merchandise stalls, cakes and sweets stalls, and a children's entertainer and facepainter.
Please come and show your support to the teams during the record bid by coming down to Welford Road (tickets are just £5) and cheering the teams on through Friday and then on Saturday morning. Public are admitted up to 8pm Friday and from 8am on Saturday.
Inspired by the experience of army widow Nichola Scott, the charity honours her husband Corporal Lee 'Scotty' Scott's memory - as a soldier and father - and provides an opportunity for the public to show their appreciation of those who make the ultimate sacrifice in the service of their country.
The charity provides treats, trips and activities for affected families with the aim of offering a respite from the daily ups and downs of coping without a loved one.
Tigers legend Ben Kay is a patron of Scotty's Little Soldiers and Louis Deacon has adopted the cause as one of his benefit year charities.
If you are unable to attend the game, you can still show support for Scotty's at http://www.scottyslittlesoldiers.co.uk/donate.html
