Charity Football Match Proves a Success
The charity football match in aid of Claire Tavener’s children on Saturday 5th May proved to be a huge success, raising a grand total of £1,600 on the day.
Hundreds of people attended Grove Sports Centre to watch Nailsea Vets and Long Ashton Codgers compete in the sunshine, and the match didn’t disappoint. The two teams, who usually play in the Bristol Casual League, comprised of regular players, Claire’s friends and former Bristol City players, Scott Murray and Jamie McAlister. Both of Claire’s two boys were mascots, and despite the game ending 2-2 after 90 minutes, Nailsea Vets clinched victory after winning on penalties.
As well as the enthralling match, the spectators also enjoyed a bouncy castle, face painting, a raffle, a BBQ and a cake sale.
The event was organised by Claire’s closest friends, but plenty of local businesses also supported the event – the bread rolls were provided by Warburtons, Bakers of Nailsea donated the food for the BBQ and Clevedon Cable Company supplied the event’s shirts.
Marcus Ridge, one of the event’s organisers, commented: “The event was a huge success with a grand total of £1,600 raised from the day.
“I would like to thank Cleveland Cable Company for sponsoring the event and donating event shirts. Bakers of Nailsea for donating the meat for the barbecue, Nailsea Patio Supplies for donating the gas bottles, Nailsea United FC for letting us use the pitch and changing rooms, and the Dreamcatchers (Claire’s friends) for their help throughout the event. Plus the ladies who bakes the cakes”.
This fundraiser was one of several events organised by Claire’s friends. A Go Fund Me page was set up soon after Claire’s death, collection tins were distributed around the community and another fundraising event took place at Grove Sports Centre in April. An astounding £33,000 has been raised so far as a result of the collection and fundraisers, all of which will go towards the future of Claire’s children.
More events are planned, including a Virtual Horse Race Night on 18th August at the Nailsea Masonic Hall.
To donate, please visit: https://www.gofundme.com/claires-little-family