Match for Pulborough teen’s bucket list

The staff at Tesco’s Pulborough and West Durrington branches formed two football teams to play a friendly match and raise funds for 18-year-old Sam Hedger.

Last year, Sam won a County Times Youth Award for his courage while facing cancer treatment, which included a year of chemotherapy, and the amputation of his left leg and part of his pelvis.

Sam recently discovered that his cancer had returned.

Although a programme of radiotheraphy and more chemotherapy will contain it for a time, he is expected to survive for another year at most.

Event organiser Debbie Randall, 48, said the event was a success and more than 60 prizes were donated to the raffle.

“Prizes included an full MOT to a haircut – the local businesses have been brilliant. We also had a football signed by the whole Manchester United team,” she said.

The football went for £150 and a pair of Bower & Wilkons Headphones went for £106.

On Sunday (May 17) the teams assembled at East Preston Football Club. The game ended at 0-0 which lead to penalty kicks. Pulborough’s team ultimately won and took home the cup.

The mum-of-three said: “I’m absolutely shattered but it was good to do it.

“Everyone said it was a good day and the weather was brilliant. I spoke to his parents and they thanked us for what we were doing. Now I know what goes into a charity event I appreciate it a lot more.”

Sam also appeared on the day to greet the team and organisers.

A total of £6,565 was raised to help Sam fulfil his wish list.

Debbie said: “Sam has a bucket list page on Facebook called Sam’s Dreams. There are 13 things on there he wants to do.”

Sam has already experienced a few of his wishes with a trip to White Hart Lane on May 3 to see Manchester City play Tottenham Hotspur and a ride in a helicopter.

His Facebook page has now more than 1,500 likes.

If you would like to help make Sam’s dreams come true, visit http://on.fb.me/1HA8lx1