Walking football event raises money for Lincolnshire Cardiac Rehabilitation Service
Posted on: 26th July 2019
Eight walking football teams have today, Friday, 26 July, taken part in a tournament to raise money for Lincolnshire Cardiac Rehabilitation Service.
Lincolnshire Community Health Services NHS Trust (LCHS), runs the Cardiac Rehabilitation Service in Lincolnshire, which brings together a wide range of advice and support including, medical treatment, education, counselling/psychological support, exercise advice and healthy eating.
Alan Lee, an LCHS volunteer and ex-cardiac rehab patient organised the competition, which took place at Ruston Sports and Social Club on Newark Road.
The event raised over £1700, which came from entry fee donations, a raffle and spectators, players and organisers making personal contributions at the event.
Alan said: “Seven of the nine players who were patients at Lincoln Cardiac Rehab got to play alongside the staff who had supported them at such a crucial time in their lives, which was an honour.
“As an ex-patient being able to give something back to the service that helped us all so much, is a privilege. I’ll always be indebted to the Lincoln Cardiac Rehabilitation Team that treated me and helped me get my life back.
“These fundraising events are something the whole group of footballers at Ruston Walking Football Club want to be involved with and supporting The Lincoln Cardiac Rehabilitation Service is our priority.”
The money raised will go through the Trust’s charity; Charitable Funds. Charitable Funds is an independent charity that plays a vital role in supporting LCHS to make a difference to patient care. Charitable Funds provides enhanced services and facilities that would not normally be funded by the NHS.
Maz Fosh, LCHS Chief Executive said: “We are extremely grateful to Alan Lee and all our volunteers who use their time to raise money to benefit our patients.
“I appreciate an event on this scale took a lot of time and effort to plan and run.
“It was a pleasure to meet the teams and present the trophy and medals.”
The eight walking football teams who took part were called Heart Attackers, Heart Attackers & Friends, Mansfield Reds, Welton Wanderers, Ruston Rebels, Birchwood Mixed, Charles James Old Boys and Branston OB & North Kesteven Academicals.
The money will be collated at the end of the year after a further fundraising event and the total amount will be officially donated to the Lincolnshire Cardiac Rehabilitation Service.