East Ardsley fundraisers hail huge success of walking football tournament

The village’s Conservative Club events secretary Russell Gaunt was inspired to help Prostate Cancer UK after several members of the social club were diagnosed with the disease.

The friends originally hoped to donate £500 from selling badges and wristbands to raise awareness of the condition, but after the popularity of the community event managed to collect a total of £7,111.

Six teams entered the tournament at Woodkirk Valley Country Club, with players asked to score goals without moving faster than walking pace. West Riding FA referee Ricky Taylor officiated the games, before footballers enjoyed a hog roast, karaoke, charity auction and raffle back at the club. Teams from local businesses Northside Trucks and Brenntag were represented along with a squad of the club’s barmaids, and auction prizes included a signed shirt and family match ticket from Dewsbury Rams.

Last Saturday a presentation at the club saw prostate cancer survivor David Wandless presented with a cheque for the charity while band Route 62 performed free of charge, and another raffle boosted the total.

“I would like to send a huge thank you to all the fantastic members of the club, sponsors, the football teams, local businesses, bar staff and Route 62, who all very generously offered their time, effort, prize donations and money for this very worthy cause,” said Russell.

Organisers from East Ardsley Conservative Club wish to thank: Northside Trucks; Carlsberg Tetley; Npower; Clarks Brewery; Bennett’s Butchers; Brenntag; Bink’s Butchers; GMB; Unite the Union; Dewsbury Rams; Guiseley FC; Woodkirk Valley Country Club; Bay Horse; Room 97; Julie’s Kitchen; Microform; Sandwich Box; PJ’s Fish Shop; Howley Hall Golf Club; Premier Shop; Flue Stax; Busy Bees; Billy Pearce, Thomas Menmuir, Ricky Taylor, Gary Leary, Gary Limbert and Route 62.