Celebrity football match raises funds for charity

A goalkeeper dives to try and stop a ball from being kicked into a net. A packed crowd can be seen in the background, behind a white net. Image source, Lyn & Trev Sports
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More than 700 people watched the match in Bognor Regis, according to organisers

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A charity football match in West Sussex was a "huge success", organisers have said.

More than 700 people attended the match at Bognor Regis Town FC's Nyewood Lane on Sunday, which raised funds for children's hospice Chestnut Tree House.

Among those playing was Sussex-based Phil Turner, who finished runner-up in series 18 of The Apprentice.

He said he was "chuffed" so many attended and donated, adding: "The work Chestnut Tree House do is simply wonderful."

A man wearing a blue football kit stares at a ball. He looks like he is about to kick it. There are spectators in the background. Image source, Lyn & Trev Sports
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The charity football match involved soap actors, reality TV stars and TikTok influencers

A spokesperson for the charity said: "Thanks to support from the local community, children and families who know they don't have long together have the chance to live life to the full and say goodbye in the way that is right for them.

"The generosity of the local community makes this happen."

Ex-England cricketer Monty Panesar, former EastEnders actors Ricky Groves and Dean Gaffney, and Calum Best, the son of football legend George Best, were also due to play in the match.

A person in an animal suit, wearing a yellow t-shirt and holding a silver trophy. Image source, Lyn & Trev Sports
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The match aimed to raise funds for children's hospice Chestnut Tree House

The charity said almost £6m was needed every year to fund Chestnut Tree House, which provides hospice care services and community support for children and young people with life-limiting and life-threatening conditions in East and West Sussex and beyond.

The spokesperson said the majority of its funds came from donations and fundraising.

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