The Cystinosis Foundation UK would like to thank all the players and members of the 118th and 92nd Boys Brigade Old Boys football teams for raising £550 that will help fund Cystinosis research.
The teams turned out for a charity game on May 14th, with the proceeds being split between Cancer Research UK and the Cystinosis Foundation UK, as members of both teams have links with those affected by cancer and Cystinosis.
The teams have had a long local rivalry and a common patronage of local pub ‘The Hedgehog & Bucket’ in Belfast, where the idea of the first charity game was born. The match, which is held to coincide with the FA Cup final, has now become an annual event following the first charity game between the two teams 6 years ago. Since that first game they have raised over £10,000 for numerous charities, with much of the money raised by the players paying to participate in their own game!
Despite the 118th BBOB and 92nd BBOB teams having average ages of over 45 and 30 years old respectively, plans are afoot for next year.
"We hope to continue this tradition for many more years", says player and fundraiser, Rodney Doherty. "It will also help enhance the reputation of the Ballysillan District of Belfast".
We are extremely grateful that the teams chose to support the Foundation this year and wish to thank all those involved with the game.