A determined fundraiser admitted being “totally humbled” after completing an epic keepie-uppie challenge for East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices (EACH).
Andy Cranch, from St Ives, managed an energy-sapping 100,000 in 24 hours and raised £4,250.
He started at 4.40am on Thursday – the first day of this summer’s World Cup in America, Canada and Mexico – and went on to average around 6,000 an hour, finishing in roughly 16 hours shortly after 9pm.
“I feel totally humbled to have received so much incredible support,” said Andy, who completed his keepie-uppies under the bandstand by The Waits, in St Ives.
“We had an amazing day and, apart from the weather, everything went as well as I could possibly have hoped.
“It was certainly a challenge and probably even tougher than I expected.
“But that was the whole point and I always wanted to do something that would test me both mentally and physically.
“I got off to a strong start and managed to keep going at a decent rate, just having a few breathers throughout the day to grab bites to eat and swigs of drink.
“I always felt confident I could do it, although didn’t want to tempt fate by getting ahead of myself in case I picked up some kind of injury.
“Then when I got into the last few thousand I thought, ‘I’ll finish this on one leg if I have to’.”
Andy is player-manager of the Over-60 England Veterans and was part of the England Seniors team that won the 2024 World Cup.
He memorably raised more than £3,500 for EACH in 2023 after completing 1,000 keepie-uppies at all 92 Football League clubs.
The 61-year-old clocked up 3,000 miles in the process, starting at Cambridge United’s Cledara Abbey Stadium and finishing at Portman Road, Ipswich.
Kind-hearted Andy also organised a star-studded football match featuring former Premier League heroes, raising more than £5,000 for EACH.
The contest was between a team of Tottenham Hotspur Legends and England’s Veterans and took place at St Ives Town last June.
“Every penny raised is going to a fantastic cause, and I can’t think of a better charity to get behind,” said Andy, who was on the books at Exeter City before drifting into non-league football and playing for Histon, Cambridge City, Shelford and Ely City.
“EACH does such an amazing job, but it’s underfunded in terms of government support. This was my way of helping, saying thank you and giving something back.
“I’m so pleased and extremely grateful to everyone who came along to offer words of encouragement.
“My sincere thanks also go to everyone who either made donations online or put money in my collection bucket. I’m blown away by the amount raised.”
To show your support and add to Andy’s total, click here.
As well as coinciding with the World Cup, Andy’s challenge took place just before national Children’s Hospice Week.
Led across the UK by Together for Short Lives, the charity for children’s palliative care, it is the only week of the year dedicated to raising awareness of children’s hospice services. It started on Monday, 15th June and runs until Sunday, 21st June.
Victoria Goldsmith, EACH’s Senior Community Fundraiser for Cambridgeshire, said: “Andy has once again shown incredible dedication and commitment. It’s a phenomenal achievement, and we’re so grateful for the time, effort and energy he put into this challenge.
“The backing he received from the local community was fantastic, and the money raised will help us continue providing vital care and support to children and families.
“We’re especially delighted Andy chose to take on this challenge ahead of Children’s Hospice Week, helping raise awareness of the importance of children’s hospice services and the difference they make every day.”
