Challengers deliver cup windfall

East Thurrock United took time out from the Ryman Premier's promotion race on Easter Monday to share their success from last season's headline making run in the FA Cup with a local charity.

Thanks to their run to the FA Cup First Round and eventual exit at League Two Hartlepool United's Victoria Park, volunteers from Basildon's St Luke's Hospice left Rookery Hill after the 3-0 win over Grays Athletic with a cheque for £2000, the club's share from the FA Community Shield Fund.

Generated every August from ticket and match programme sales at the FA Community Shield fixture at Wembley, the £248,000 is shared out annually between the 124 clubs who reach the FA Cup First Round Proper to donate to local charities and community-based projects of their choice.

As well as collecting their cup windfall from East Thurrock United chairman Brian Mansbridge, pictured, St Luke's volunteers Kevin and Karen Gordon also took away the proceeds of a bucket collection among the generous supporters of both sides during the Easter fixture which saw John Coventry's second-placed side win again to keep pace with leaders Hampton & Richmond Borough.

Founded in 1983, St Luke's Hospice needs around £3 million annually to provide the highest standards of specialist palliative care for people living in the Basildon and Thurrock districts. For more information visit: www.stlukeshospice.com.

Image courtesy of Mikey Cartwright

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