Charity football match raises money for Macmillan Unit while 500-mile walk collects £900 for prostate cancer research

A charity football match has helped to raise £460 for the Macmillan Unit at the West Suffolk Hospital.

The money came via a game at Euston Park between the coaches of the Thetford Bulldogs Football Club and members of the Under 18s team.

A total of £230 was raised, which ended 3-3 but was won 4-3 on penalties by the Under 18s, with the club match funding to double the total.

Kirsty Turner, who is club secretary, manager, and player, said it took place in memory of her husband Peter, (both pictured above) who died last year.

The 76-year-old suffered from prostate cancer after being diagnosed with the illness back in 2013.

He was treated at the Macmillan Unit at the hospital in Bury St Edmunds, but sadly passed away in May last year after a long fight against the complaint.

The funds raised went to the My WiSH Charity which supports the work of the hospital and directed towards the unit where Peter was treated.

Meanwhile, a further £900 has been raised for research into prostate cancer after Kirsty carried out a mammoth walking challenge over a number of days around Thetford and the nearby villages and communities

She started out on what would have been the couple’s wedding anniversary on February 14 calling it “I Will Walk 500 miles” and completed it on May 26 just before the first anniversary of Peter’s death.

Kirsty, 49, said the couple’s three children Wayne, Philip and Jordan, along with their granddaughter Lexi, presented the trophy to the Under 18 team who won the football match with all those taking part in the game donating £10 each towards the game.

She said the club is thriving with teams playing in the Norfolk Combined League, Ipswich and Suffolk League, Norfolk Women and Girls League and the Suffolk Youth League.

Kirsty, who is self employed cleaner, said her husband was a former lorry driver and packer and they had been married for 26 years.

She said: “The hospital staff were really good to Peter who had to have chemotherapy and radiotherapy throughout his illness.”

And she added that she specifically wanted the funds raised to go towards the Macmillan Unit for the wonderful treatment Peter received.

Sally Daniels, fundraising manger for My WiSH, met Kirsty and said: “As Peter was treated for such a long time the couple found staff really became part of their family including nurse, Helen Small, who cared for Peter for 10 years. 

“Kirsty said Helen was always so kind, ensuring both Peter and Kirsty were comfortable. These acts of kindness are invaluable to our patients as well as their loved ones. We cannot thank Kirsty and the Thetford Bulldogs for their continued support”.