An unusual mascot will be making a guest appearance on the pitch at tonight's game between Liverpool and Manchester City.

A giant mosquito, aka 'Mozzy Man', will be symbolising the support from Liverpool FC and their sponsors Standard Chartered to charity Malaria No More UK.

Mozzy Man is Malaria No More UK's official mascot and will be raising awareness about malaria in the run up to World Malaria Day on 25th April. Malaria is a preventable and treatable disease, which claims the lives of almost 2,000 people in Africa every day, the majority being pregnant women and young children.

Mozzy Man's big moment at Anfield coincides with the launch of an online charity auction made possible thanks to the support of Standard Chartered. Liverpool fans will have the chance to bid for several once-in-a-life-time experiences to help raise money for Malaria No More UK and its mission to reach near zero deaths from malaria by 2015. The auction will run for two weeks, from 7th- 21st April and is hosted on Malaria No More UK's website.

The Standard Chartered Liverpool FC auction prizes on offer are:

* Five Seats in a corporate box for a Liverpool FC match at Anfield against a top six team.

* The once-in-a-lifetime chance for a young boy or girl to be the Liverpool FC Mascot for a home game, plus two adult tickets to the game.

* The Ultimate Liverpool FC Weekend for six people. The package includes a behind the scenes tour of Anfield Stadium, a training session at the Liverpool FC Academy with an Liverpool FC legend, match day hospitality and a seat in the Directors Box, a round of golf with two former Liverpool FC players at an "England's golf coast" course and limited edition Liverpool FC gifts.

Heather Rabbatts, Malaria No More UK Board Member said: "We are delighted to collaborate with Standard Chartered and Liverpool FC on this exceptional auction to save lives. As a charity, we already work with sports fans to encourage as many people as possible to get involved. With the help of Liverpool FC's incredible global fan base we are excited to raise money and awareness to make malaria no more."

Funds raised through activities like this auction can make a real impact in the lives of people at risk from the disease. For example, £500 is enough to recruit and train ten volunteers to be Malaria Agents in Namibia who in turn can educate and help protect over 1,000 people at risk from malaria. Malaria Agents are usually based in remote areas and teach people how to protect themselves from malaria - distributing and helping hang mosquito nets - and how to recognise the symptoms of the disease and seek treatment.

Author: Liverpool FC