Fundraisers won't stop for title race!

For the third season running the Blues have been pulling out all the stops for East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices (EACH) to provide much needed respite for sick children and their families.

After raising more than £650 for the charity with their inaugural Leiston Ladies Charity Night and a host of other events the season before last, the Blues are pictured handing over a cheque for £850 to the charity's Natasha Brame for their efforts over the 2015-16 campaign.

The club's fundraisers certainly bust a gut for the charity in May, not to mention getting cold, wet and muddy, after entering Team Leiston in the grueling Nuclear Rush Challenge near Brentwood.

Made up of Leiston's general manager Peter Douglass, his daughter Jen Weeks and players Patrick Brothers, Joe Jefford, Gareth Heath, Alex Rossis and Christy Finch, Team Leiston were presented with Certificates of Appreciation by the charity to thank them for their endeavours at the cheque presentation before the club's 2-1 win over Sudbury at the end of September.

A proud Douglass said everyone at the Suffolk club has been determined to redouble their efforts for the charity ever since seeing the full impact of their work and the dedication of staff and volunteers during a visit by a number of players, their wives and officials to EACH's Treehouse centre in Ipswich.

He said: “The work that their staff do and the facilities that they offer are truly inspiring, enough for some of the players, my daughter and me to agree to a Nuclear Rush Challenge to raise money last season.”

"The 12km muddy obstacle course would present no problems to fit players but even the 6km meant months of training. Thankfully we all came through it just about unscathed!"

Team Leiston leader Gareth Heath added: “We were pleased in the knowledge that by raising some money we were helping the very worthy cause that is EACH.”

The Blues have already kicked off their efforts this season with keeper Nick Eyre sporting the EACH logo on his kit. Until his recent injury, he was also donating his clean sheet bonuses to the charity and club officials say fans will now get plenty of chances to do their bit over the remainder of the campaign.

EACH community fundraiser Hannah Walker said: “We are truly grateful for the ongoing support of Leiston FC, the money raised will make such a difference. And we look forward to continuing the partnership with the club throughout the coming season.”

East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices (EACH) provide end of life care to children and young people and support for their families at home or at one of the charity's network of hospices in the region. For more information visit: www.each.org.uk.

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