It was the third Saturday in lockdown and all the Fleetdown teams were poised for what could be the highlight of the isolation period so far, the Virtual Grand National.
The Big Idea
To help support the fundraising efforts of the club with no income coming in over the next few months, a sweepstake was arranged by the fundraising committee, Nicola, Amanda and Sarah. We had, across all the 19 teams at the club, a total of 760 horses to sell and managed to sell all bar 13 in less than 48 hours. First three placed horses would win a cash prize.
U7 Team wearing the Fleetdown kit and wishing for football to come back!
The fundraising team set up a Facebook live event so everyone could share comments on the progress of their horse. The race itself was actually very exciting with lots of shouting and cheering from all the families on Facebook and no injuries to any horses or jockeys. A few of the players from the under 13 team decided to don their kits as they were missing football so much to enjoy the moment!
The Outcome
In total, the Fleetdown community of parents, players and relatives clubbed together to raise a staggering £2500, with many of the winners donating their winnings to the club. The executive committee then decided to donate £250 to the local Darent Valley Hospital trust, in light of the fantastic work they and all NHS staff are doing not just at this difficult moment, but always.
The chairman of the club, Paul Hordon, said, “We have a very special group of people at this club and this type of response in support of the club is tremendous. I thank you all and hope for your continued support over this difficult period. I am sure nobody would mind us taking the decision as an executive committee to share some of the community’s generosity with the local NHS trust either. They need all the support we can offer at the moment for the great work they are doing to support those in need.”
