Charity match raises thousands for good causes

A CHARITY football match has put a fundraising group well on its way to reaching its £13,000 target for two good causes.

The Mangotsfield Community Association is raising money for St Peter’s Hospice and MND Association, which fights motor neurone disease.

Two events in September put the MCA in reach of its target for this year.

A sponsored walk from Bristol Rovers’ Memorial Stadium to Ashton Gate, the home of Bristol City, on September 16 raised a total of £2,181.48 through sponsorship and a bucket collection.

The following weekend Mangotsfield United’s Cossham Street ground hosted the MCA’s annual friendly football match between two scratch teams, the Inter Village Firm and the Red Lion Exiles.

A combination of collections, sponsorship and an auction raised £4,405.45 on the day.

The two events were organised by residents Mike Heath, Karen Fox, Matt and Sarah Proud, and Mary West of the Red Lion pub.

Added to events held earlier this year, the group has now raised a total of £12,093.84 for the two charities.

The volunteers hope to hit their target with their next event, a ‘Stars in their Eyes’ talent evening on Friday November 17 at the Red Lion in Mangotsfield.

People are being invited to come along and either enter the contest or take in the show.

There will also be a Christmas raffle.

Mangotsfield Residents Association chair Clive Heath said: “Once again this year a fantastic amount of money has been raised in our community for these two charities.

“It shows the generosity of the local community, not forgetting the ongoing work of the MCA – the money they have raised will certainly make a difference.

“A big thank you and well done to all involved!”

For anyone who would like to donate but cannot come, the MCA has an online fundraising page on the Justgiving website at tinyurl.com/mvtbu6pr.