Football fundraisers collect cash for Barry nursing home (From Barry And District News)

Football fundraisers collect cash for Barry nursing home

8:50am Saturday 12th May 2012 in News

ON Sunday, April 22, 40 fans descended on Wenvoe playing field to watch as 32 committed players dusted off their shinpads and laced up their boots to head into battle – despite a week of torrential rain – to play in a charity football match to raise money for Bellavista Nursing Home, Barry.

The event nicknamed ‘El Cesico’ was organised by 24-year-old Adam Hartland as a way of raising money for the nursing home’s residents, one of whom is his grandfather Cecil Hartland.

Adam slaved away for months organising the match in which his brother Ben and 30 of their closest friends participated.

Despite heavy rain throughout the week the pitches were unspoiled, which allowed both teams to play free-flowing attractive football with many memorable moments for those who watched from the sidelines.

The fans may have been wrapped up from head to toe but they were treated, for making the effort to attend, with no rain, piping hot barbecued food and 90 minutes of thrilling football.

After 90 minutes the score was 3-3 so the players agreed on a penalty shoot-out, with shot stopper extraordinaire Anthony Pine saving the decisive spotkick.

The event was a roaring success. Through donations by players, fans and help from those busy on the barbecue a fantastic £210 was raised for Bellavista.

The money will go towards taking the residents, many of whom need 24/7 care, on a possible day trip with their carers.

Big thanks to Halfords of Penarth Road for lending a gazebo to shelter the fans, and Harry Llewellyn and the guys who cooked the food.