FOOTBALL: Local footballers help raise almost £2k for Help for Heroes

From cross bar challenges to raffle and auctions, the H4H event in Coleraine Showgrounds last Friday night was a really successful evening.

A presentation by Carl Laverty, which consisted of videos and pictures of his recent experiences in Afghanistan hammered home the point to the 100 strong crowd the reason the charity event is run each year.

The football match between Randalstown and Bertha’s was played in great spirits and both teams put on a show for the crowd. Either side could have won it but it ended in a 2-2 draw, so it was penalties to decide who would take home the perpetual trophy.

It was Randalstown who held there nerve better and tucked away the decisive penalty to reclaim the trophy and take it back up the frosses road.

Bertha’s FC would like to thank: Gillian Ireland, Beth Blair, Jackie Doherty, Ivan Kyle and the staff at the social club, Alan McClarty and the Shambolics and all of those who volunteered to make food for and serve it on the night.

Without your help, the event would not have been a success. Also thanks to Frankie Hiles, Andy Mac (3) and Jimmy Alexander for being the match officials.

They would also like to thank the following local business who supported fund raising event: Dunluce Golf, DW Windows, Top Meats, Clement Daly Photography, Wild Geese, B&Q, Tesco, Sizzling Sausage, Winebar Portrush, Dominos pizza, Piccolos Pizza, Heaton’s / Sports Direct, National Trust, Waterfront Hotel, Icehouse, Playhouse, Catherine MacKenzie, Yoko, Adelphi Spa, Pretty Crafty, Slimming World, Charlys, Moods Hairdressing, Pricebusters Furniture, Norman Wallace from Damhead Nursery and Dennis Mitchell from Q97.2. Thank you all for your support in raising funds and awareness for Help for Heroes.

If you couldn’t attend and would like to donate to help Berthas FC reach their £2k target please log onto www.bmycharity.com/berthasfc or ring 07851701315 for any further information on the event.

Help for Heroes was founded by Bryn and Emma Parry in October 2007 out of a desire to help the wounded Servicemen and women returning from Afghanistan and Iraq and provides direct, practical support to those injured in the current conflicts.