Five-hour football match raises cash for charities

NEARLY 100 people took part in a five-hour football fundraiser for charity.
Pictured are Jo Crossley, Lucy Ireson and Jack Crossley


Picture: Neil Marshall (170300-5)Pictured are Jo Crossley, Lucy Ireson and Jack Crossley


Picture: Neil Marshall (170300-5)
Pictured are Jo Crossley, Lucy Ireson and Jack Crossley Picture: Neil Marshall (170300-5)

Organised by Graham Turner, the game saw players of all ages take to the pitch at Goals in Portsmouth.

The annual event, held on Saturday, has been running for the past five years and raises money for Macmillan Cancer Support and Marie Curie.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Graham, of Fareham, launched the match in 2013 in memory of his mum Diane who died from secondary bone cancer on April 26, 2012.

Picture: Kevin HandfordPicture: Kevin Handford
Picture: Kevin Handford

The family were offered support by both charities and the five-hour event has raised nearly £10,000 since it started.

Dad Graham, 42, said: ‘The day has gone brilliantly.

‘When we started in the morning it was a little overcast but the sun came out and it was a fantastic day.

‘We had around 90 different players who have taken part with some people playing for an hour and others playing for a few minutes.

Picture: Kevin HandfordPicture: Kevin Handford
Picture: Kevin Handford
Hide Ad
Hide Ad

‘That is one of the good things about the match, people can play as much or as little as they want.’

When Graham held the first five-hour match, he thought that was going to be it.

But he said he is pleased it is carrying on and growing each year too.

‘When my mum died, I knew I wanted to do something for her and in her memory,’ he added. ‘I had run the Great South Run before but injuries meant I wouldn’t be able to do it again.

Picture: Kevin HandfordPicture: Kevin Handford
Picture: Kevin Handford
Hide Ad
Hide Ad

‘I thought the match was a good thing to do and something people could have fun with.

‘I first thought about doing a 24-hour game but five hours is something people would be able to do.

‘Players come down with their families and they can make a real day of it.

‘Every year, around April 26, instead of moping around I organise the game and can raise money for some fantastic charities.’

Graham is hoping to raise £2,000 from the event.