A star-studded football match featuring former Premier League heroes raised more than £5,000 for East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices (EACH).
The contest was between a team of Tottenham Hotspur Legends and England’s Veterans and took place at St Ives Town. It was organised by EACH supporter Andy Cranch, who recently presented a cheque to Senior Community Fundraiser Victoria Goldsmith during a visit to Milton.
“I couldn’t be happier to have raised this money for EACH,” he said. “It’s a very special local charity and one so many of us feel strongly about. EACH has touched, helped and supported so many people, and that’s why I’m always determined to do whatever I can to help.”
The match, which featured former Spurs players David Howells, Pascal Chimbonda and Mark Falco, took place on 29th June, and Andy visited Milton on 10th September.
There was also a raffle, with shop and business vouchers up for grabs, and spectators were able to enjoy food and ice creams donated by Kelly’s of Cornwall.
Andy memorably raised more than £3,500 for EACH in 2023 after completing 1,000 keepie-uppies at all 92 Football League clubs. He was on the books at Exeter City as a youngster before drifting into non-league football and playing for Histon, Cambridge City, Shelford and Ely City. Now player-manager of the Over-55 England Veterans, Andy was part of the England Seniors team that won the 2024 World Cup.
He lives in Cambridge and has a special connection to EACH as sister-in-law Jules Gibson-Cranch is Locality Wellbeing Lead at The Treehouse, in Ipswich.
“It was lovely to see Andy and have the opportunity to thank him for his incredible fundraising efforts,” said Victoria. “Events like this make such a difference and help us continue our vital work caring for children and supporting families across the region. We’re so thankful both to him and everyone who turned out to support the match. I hope they had a great day.”
