On Sunday 23rd February 2020, a fairly windy and drizzly day could not dampen the spirits and fundraising power of 2000 people who had come ready to be awed by the amazing football skills of twenty two men.  Now let me just tell you that this was an afternoon to remember and we can only say ‘sorry you missed it or aren’t you glad you came?’

So tell me, where else are you going to be in touching distance of celebrities such as Callum Best (son of George Best), Laurie Walker an English professional footballer playing for Milton Keynes Dons and Chelmsford City ; F2 football Freestylers’ duo consisting of Jeremy Lynch and Billy Wingrove who have over 10 million followers across all social media platforms.   Soccer AM star, Tubes asking celebrity guests "one question and one question only". What do think your one question would be?

Also playing were Comedian ManLikeHaks who it appeared was trying to distract everyone with his humour;  Joe Russell,  a former Australian rules footballer who played with Carlton in the Victorian Football League; Jo Payne an English footballer who has played for Barnet, Wormley Rovers, Grays Athlestic and now plays for Enfield Town (just to name a few clubs); Greg Lincoln an English former professional footballer who represented England at Under-20 level. Bradley Simmonds, former Chelsea academy player, personal trainer and Instagram superstar; Brandon Adams  who has been at QPR for four years, including a year's experience in Malaysia and some time on loan at clubs including Linfield in Northern Ireland; Dan Osborne an English television personality, known for being a former cast member on the ITVBe reality series The Only Way Is Essex and being a housemate on Celebrity Big Brother.  Can you imagine the stories he must have to tell?? 

The players continue with James Collins a Welsh professional footballer who plays as a defender;  Stuart Lewis an English retired footballer who works as a coach for Tottenham Hotspur's academy. Bradley Russell, scholar of the F2 Football and Education Scholarship Academy Academy; Callum Ellesley member of Enfield Town Football Club 1st Team; Stephen James Hendry,( known professionally as Stephen Jame), British model,  former professional footballer who won international youth caps for the Scotland national football team.   Can you believe the players who were on the pitch? The paparazzi clearly missed a trick here , which is a good thing as they would have blocked the view!! 

As if that wasn’t enough there were Meet and greets; raffles; auctions and so much more. Guess what, Little Oaks Registered Manger won first prize in the raffle – luckily Lavender Grove had nothing to do with the draw, so everything is above board (just in case you were wondering 😊).

 

The showmanship and fun on and off the pitch was such that even if you were not a football fan, being together and united for such a wonderful cause could not help but warm your heart (in addition to the hot drinks 😊) 

A wonderful update for you all is that £42000 was raised and that Edie was able to travel to America for her first treatment! Although returning to England was a bit of a nightmare as the Covid 19 lockdown meant that their flight was cancelled. As it was Edie was on Sky News, but hip hip hooray Virgin Airlines made a turnaround and Edie is now safely home.  

Lavender Grove wish her well soon and our thoughts are with her and her family during this personal battle.