Albion legends raise thousands for children's hospice

A team of former Brighton and Hove Albion stars put on their boots again in aid of Chestnut Tree House '“ the children's hospice for Sussex.
A team of Albion legends turned out in aid of Chestnut Tree House children's hospiceA team of Albion legends turned out in aid of Chestnut Tree House children's hospice
A team of Albion legends turned out in aid of Chestnut Tree House children's hospice

The game took place on March 12 at Whitehawk Football Club and raised nearly £3,000 for the charity.

Chestnut Tree House Official FC took on a team of old Albion players, which included Guy Butters, Paul Rogers, Kerry Mayo, Gary Hart, Adam Hinshelwood, Paul Watson, Richard Carpenter and Ian Chapman.

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Kerry Mayo, who turned out more than 400 times for the Albion, said: “Charity games are good to increase awareness of the charity as well as raising money.

“A lot of people don’t really know what they’re playing for until they get here, so it’s good when you start talking to the staff and find out what the charity is all about.”

The match, which ended in an 11-0 victory for Brighton & Hove Albion Legends, attracted hundreds of people who were entertained by a half-time display from Elite Cheerleading, and a Minion and Frozen’s Elsa from Twilight Sussex Mascots also attended the event.

Despite the 11-0 result on the pitch, it was a successful event for Chestnut Tree House, with £2,857 raised. Organiser Jamie Westley, expects this to increase as more funds come through from a post-event auction, featuring a ball signed by the Legends and a pair of signed Inigo Calderon boots.

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Jamie Westley, who arranges charity matches to raise funds and awareness for Chestnut Tree House, said: “I was truly amazed by the amount raised on the day and the number of people who turned up to watch the match. Chestnut Tree House is such a worthwhile cause and I’m so glad I can do something to help.”

Terrina Barnes, corporate fundraising manager at Chestnut Tree House, said: “It was an absolutely amazing day with so many people and ex-players coming out to support us. The football matches are doing so much to raise funds and increase awareness of the charity to a whole new group of people, which is great for Chestnut Tree House.”

“I would like to thank all of the ex-Brighton & Hove Albion players for giving up their time and their willingness to sign autographs and meet the fans, as well as Chestnut Tree House FC for all of their hard work and fundraising efforts, and everyone else who contributed towards such a successful day.

“As a charity, we need to raise £6,850 per day to provide all our specialist care services for local children, both at the hospice and out in the community, which makes fundraising events like this invaluable.”

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If you would like to join the team or help out with future events you can find out what else is coming up by liking “Chestnut Tree House children’s hospice official football team” on Facebook or by contacting Jamie directly on 07958 577936 or [email protected].

To find out more about the hospice visit {www.chestnut-tree-house.org.uk.| www.chestnut-tree-house.org.uk