A MARATHON football match in light of the war in Ukraine was played between youngsters in Hazlemere to raise money for the numerous children affected by the conflict.
The marathon game on Saturday March 5 joined global charity effort to raise money for Ukrainians, over a million who have fled the country while hundreds of thousands are stuck under Russian military siege in towns in Eastern Ukraine.
As in any war, children bear the brunt of conflict for generations.
Kevin Bennett, Holy Trinity Junior FC academy coach said: “When I saw the reports of children getting killed, especially the story of ten-year old Polina, the girl with the pink streak in her hair, I knew I had to act.
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“I thought that if I could get my Academy footballers playing a special match, we could raise some money for the kids of Ukraine”.
On Saturday, children under six-years-old from Westwood Park joined those from Holy Trinity Juniors at Hazlemere Recreational Ground for the under 6s marathon match.
The two-and-a-half hour long friendly game between children from Westwood Park and Holy Trinity Juniors was played on a rolling basis, so no child was too exhausted.
Kevin Bennett, Holy Trinity Junior FC academy coach said: “Our thanks go to the players and parents from Westwood and Holy Trinity for their energetic playing, enthusiastic support, and generous fundraising - well done to all of you!
“We raised £250 in cash on the day and more than £1000 on the Just Giving page.”
The charity game ended with a near tie result of 13-14 for the Yellow team.
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According to UNICEF, the UN’s charity for children, more than half a million children in Ukraine are victims of war as “homes, schools, water supplies and hospitals are damaged” and landmines are a threat to life.
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