Young players and families from Kirkburton JFC near Huddersfield show that teamwork really does make the dream work with their most recent fundraiser…
Kirkburton Junior Football Club players and families chose to raise money for Children’s Heart Surgery Fund after seeing how one of there own was supported after being diagnosed with a congenital heart defect.
When Freddie Emberton was born on 21 September last year, he required heart surgery straight after birth due to having a hole in his heart and a narrowed aorta.
Freddie stayed at Leeds Children’s Hospital for just over three weeks for life-saving treatment at the Leeds Congenital Heart Unit and now his heart has made a full recovery!
Even though it may be a little while yet until he’s lacing up his boots, Freddie already has his own Kirkburton JFC top and cheers on his brothers, Joshua and George when they play!
Freddie was diagnosed with CHD at birth and had open heart surgery straight away to correct his heart defects.
Heart dad Jon told us a bit more about the fundraiser:
“The cup consisted of parents and coaches from various age groups of the club entering a team to play in a two-tiered competition (the Cup and the Plate). In total there were nine teams and around 50 parents/coaches who played in the competition.”
“There was certainly some that were trying to relive their youthful playing days, whilst others making tactical substitutions due to fitness levels. There were thankfully not many injuries! All matches were played in great spirit with full support from the side-lines and occasional heckling from the kids!”
“Congratulations went to the Cup winners, U11’s (Dave Jowett) and the Plate winners, U15’s (Andy Pearson), who both received impressive awards kindly donated by Fox Engravers, Almondbury!”
“A special thanks goes to those who helped to referee the games, Charlie Pearson and Evan Hufton (who are working their way through their referring courses), Neil Thornton a coach and Cheggs!”
“Whilst the cup competition was on the go, Rachel had also reached out to local stall holders. She invited them attend the event to further raise funds for CHSF and provide a boost of energy for all.”
“Whether that be a: beer or gin at JD’s Bar; sweets from Hey Sweetheart; cookies from Northern Cookie House; buns and cakes from Busy Bee Bakery; Body Shop from Sarah Sykes; the tombola held by Kirkburton First school PTA or our raffle!”
“I would say that organising the event was surprisingly easy, but every little helps and anything can be achieved to help raise funds for charities when you put your mind to it!”
“To Children’s Heart Surgery Fund, thank you for supporting our family and so many other families!”
As well as the fundraising day, Kirkburton Junior FC have truly committed to our cause by having the CHSF logo printed on their football kits which will be used for the next two years!
Community and Events Fundraiser Eve went along to meet the team and collect their fundraising:
“It was fantastic to see the Junior team in their new kits! It’s so great to see CHSF being promoted in the local community alongside a fantastic fundraising event organised by the parents!”
A phenomenal £2,726 was raised from the Parent’s Cup and fundraising day at Kirkburton JFC!
A heartfelt thank you to everyone who made this day such a success – we’re so grateful for your amazing support!
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