Players strike charity gold

netted a bumper funding boost for the nearby Marie Curie Hospice.

The Petershill Park fixture featured West Park coaches against former West Park players and raised a fantastic £2,822.

And although the ex-players won the match the outcome was reckoned to be a ‘win-win’ for everyone involved – and particularly the hospice.

Event organiser and West Park vice president Shan Shaba said: “The club feels strongly about being active in our community. Our prime objective was to raise funds for what we all think is an extremely important charity and cause.”

He added: “We’ve been blown away by the generosity of not only the club’s parents, carers and supporters, but the many local businesses who ‘got’ what we were trying to do – and donated to the overall total.

“We’d like to express our sincere thanks for the efforts of everyone in raising such an amount.

“With its presence in the heart of the community we felt there was no better cause to raise money for than Marie Curie.”

Club president Scott Raeburn said: “With over 300 players, 70 coaches and the support of parents and carers, we’re thriving in this quiet revolution that’s taking place.

“The club is doing well but can always do better on the football side of things and can hopefully contribute and make a difference in our community too with events such as this.

“We’ve been preaching that the positives of not only playing but supporting grassroots, community-based football can benefit not just those involved in West Park, but also our wider community.”

Marie Curie Hospice fundraiser Francesco Accolla said: “We would like to express a huge thank you to everyone at West Park Football Club who supported Marie Curie through their charity game.

“The funds raised will help Marie Curie provide more care and support to people living with a terminal illness and their families at the time when they most need support.”