Goals turned into thousands as football match in Waltham le Willows raises funds in friend’s memory

A charity football match was a fitting tribute as friends gathered together to raise almost £4,000 in memory of an avid fan of the game.

Sports fans, as well as family and friends all came together to raise as much as possible in memory of Mark Woods, known by many as Woody, with a charity football match and family day at Walsham-le-Willows Football Club.

The occasion, the second of its kind, was organised by Mark’s friends including Martin McConnell and Aaron Gibson, and raised £3,977.68 for St Nicholas Hospice Care, which supported Mark, who lived in Ixworth.

Mark, who was 32 when he died, had a brain tumour and passed away in the care of the hospice in January 2016.

On the day, as well as being able to watch players from ATEC FC, the team Mark used to play for, take on Bardwell FC, there were plenty of entertainments including a raffle, bouncy castle, face-painting, barbecue and plenty more.

St Nicholas Hospice Care community fundraiser Miranda McCoy said: “A huge thank you to everyone who supported the football match and charity day.

“It was a fun day with a bouncy castle, welly throwing and so many activities all to raise funds for the hospice.

“Aaron and Mark are so modest but I want to thank them especially for all their hard work in putting on yet another special fundraiser in memory of Mark.

“The money they have raised will make a big difference to the hospice and all of those in our care.”

With the charitable occasion taking place on April 30, fundraisers presented the money to Miranda late last week (Thursday, July 20) after a final total had been recorded.

You can find out more about the hospice which cares for those across West Suffolk and Thetford in the final chapters of their life at www.stnicholashospicecare.org.uk.

Pictured is Martin McConnell alongside St Nicholas Hospice Care community fundraiser Miranda McCoy.