Eastbourne parents walk along East Sussex Coast to raise money to save kids' football team
Parents of the Sovereign Saints Under Nines football team walked from Eastbourne to Worthing to raise funds for the team and St Wilfrid’s Hospice.
Parents took on the Three Piers challenge, walking from Eastbourne to Brighton and finally Worthing Pier, which is around 35 miles to fundraise for Sovereign Saints Under Nines football team.
The team was unable to secure a sponsor for this year so parents came together to save the football team, fundraising efforts also supported St Wilfrid’s Hospice.
Through the fundraiser, the parents raised £2,220 for the football team and the local charity.
Arron Ashdown said: “ Sovereign Saints Under 9s was a newly formed team last year, and for many of the boys it was their first experience of being part of a football team. The season got off to a difficult start, with the squad losing their first 8 or 9 matches, some by significant margins. However, the boys showed incredible resilience and determination. As the season progressed, performances improved dramatically and the team went unbeaten for a good stretch of time, gaining confidence week by week and ultimately earning promotion to the next division in their very first year together.”
Max Eldred added: “As the manager of the football team, that is a fantastic opportunity to unite with a number of our parents and demonstrate to our children what team work, support and relationships means and the good it can bring. The funds we raise are going to two fantastic causes and I am very proud to participate in this fundraiser and share this experience with a group of amazing, dedicated parents.
“I am incredibly proud that we are able to support St Wilfrid's Hospice through this challenge. Like many people, I have seen the difference that charities such as St Wilfrid's make to families during some of the most difficult times of their lives. The care, compassion, and support they provide is truly remarkable, and I believe it is vital that we do whatever we can to help them continue their amazing work. Taking part in this walk is about more than raising money. It's about giving something back, supporting opportunities for our children to thrive, and recognising the incredible work carried out by St Wilfrid's Hospice.”