Football fun and fundraising for Hastings hospice’s essential work

The closely contested game featured teams representing the Hastings Extra store and the Bexhill Superstore, all in aid of St Michael’s Hospice.

The hospice provides services for patients at the centre or at home, as well as offering expert bereavement support for anyone struggling to come to terms with the death of a loved one.

St Michael's Hospice was chosen as the good cause to benefit from the football match in recognition of the care it has given for friends and families of those at the stores, as well the work it does for people in the wider community.

Jo Coleman, the Hastings Extra store’s lead for community, said: “We had the idea for this in January and thought that the hospice is a great local charity and very deserving of any money we could raise.

“We’ve had some colleagues and family members who have gone into the hospice, so we all know what incredible work they do for the community.

“We fundraise throughout the year for various good causes, but we do at least one big event each year. This year we decided on the football match, and it really was an amazing success.”

The match involved men and women turning out for both stores, with the players for Hastings ending victorious by winning 3-2.

All the funds raised by the two teams came from store customers, sponsorship of the players, a charge for playing, money from a charitable book stall, a raffle, a tuck shop, and donation buckets on the day.

It was supported by Hastings Extra store manager Nick Neal, the store’s Dotcom manager Bailey Wilson, and Bexhill Superstore manager Chris Nason.

Lisa Noon, the Hastings Extra store’s community champion, said: “The turnout we had for the match was brilliant. We had so many people come along to watch and make a donation.

“Everyone really got behind us for this event – customers, managers, colleagues – and we all had a great time doing it while also raising essential funds for an excellent local charity.

“It’s been such a success, we’re already thinking about doing it again in the summer. I know that our colleagues at Bexhill are joking about wanting to get their revenge.”

Sophie Bailey, community and corporate fundraiser for St Michael’s Hospice, was full of praise for both teams, saying their efforts will make a big difference to everyone associated with the hospice.

She added: “We are really grateful to all those who’ve been involved in this fantastic fundraising match. It was such a wonderful thing to do, and the money they’ve raised will help many people.

“As a registered charity that provides free care, we are heavily dependent on contributions from the public, whether it’s gifts in wills, donations of items we can sell in our shops, or through fundraising events like this one.

“Our fundraising team are available to support all those who choose to fundraise for us by taking on a challenge, organising an event or making a donation.

“We love to hear all about their plans, and we can help to ensure it is a great success and, most importantly, that they enjoy yourself while doing it.”

For further information about St Michael’s Hospice, go online at https://stmichaelshospice.com/