Andrew Berragan and Wayne Grove from Whitehaven raised £6,133 at their Charity Football Match ‘Embrace the Legends’ on Saturday 15th July at Moor Row Football Club, in memory of their dad’s Maurice Berragan and Dennis Grove.
Maurice and Dennis both sadly passed away in 2020, but due to the restrictions at that time the family were unable to give them the send-off they deserved. Fast forward to 2021 when the restrictions started to ease, they came up with the idea of a Charity Football Match to honour their dad’s memories while raising money for charities close to their hearts. They formed two football teams named ‘Moggers Blues’ for Maurice (he was a big Chelsea fan) and ‘Dens Gunners’ for Dennis’ (he was a big Arsenal fan) and called it ‘Embrace the Legends’.
The event and support has grown over the years, with this being the third consecutive year it has taken place, raising an overall total of £14,540! All proceeds have been split between Hospice at Home West Cumbria, Egremont Bowling Club, CDKL5 UK and Gary Mckee’s 365 marathon fundraising in 2022.
Wayne Grove, Andrew Berragan and Gemma Finley said: “We are extremely proud to have raised this amount in memory of our legend fathers. One of our chosen charities in particular – Hospice at Home West Cumbria, gave both of our families the essential support during our darkest times. It all seemed to happen so fast and only looking back now do we appreciate the absolute necessary service this amazing charity provides. It’s been our pleasure to raise these funds so many more families can benefit from the vital work the charity carries out. We would like to add our thanks and support to everyone that has made this possible and supported us over these years”.
Holly Harkness, Community Fundraising Co-ordinator for Hospice at Home West Cumbria said: “It is great to see so many people getting involved with the charity football match, Hospice at Home West Cumbria would like to say thank you to everyone who has been involved in this event over the years, and for raising awareness and funds for the nominated charities.”