Staff from across Plymouth Community Homes turned out in force on Saturday to host a football match to raise money for our Charity of the Year, Luna’s Fund.
We are delighted to announce that the event raised a total of £2,504.54 for Luna’s Fund, a charity offering practical and emotional support to bereaved parents in Devon and Cornwall. The Charity was founded in 2018 by Aimee and Ryan, Luna’s parents, following the loss of their first-born daughter Luna in 2017.
£2,504.54 was raised through player fees, raffle ticket sales, a silent auction, as well as extra fundraising on the day.
PCH staff, members of the Luna’s Fund family, contractors and their families took time out of their weekend to support the event at Harpers Football Centre (formerly GOALS) and while most of the players were cheered on by those who came to support, other staff busied themselves selling raffle tickets to raise more cash.
The tournament was played in good spirits with staff from all directorates, as well as PCH contractors, pulling on their boots to show support. There were 10 teams, which included:
- DTFC – Darryl Tapper
- Mix & Mash – Tomaz Malewski
- Pinky Blinders
- Environmental Services
- Hallwell Projects
- The FinD IT Pro
- ARC Metalcraft Ltd
- E&R Contractors
- Team Luna & Myla – Luna’s Fund
- Team Arlo – Luna’s Fund
'The FinD IT Pro’ won the wooden spoon trophy, Environmental Services came in third place, and the runners-up trophy went to DTFC. The well-deserved tournament champions were Tomaz Malewski’s Mix & Mash team.
Congratulations to Tomasz Malewski, Ben Pendall, Sam Pendall, Jake Baron, Jake Matthews, Liam Walsh, Scott Jackson and Shaun Cliff.
First Place - Mix & Mash
2nd Place - DTFC
3rd place - Environmental Services
Last place - 'The FinD IT Pro’
Aimee Conroy, CEO of Luna’s Fund, said: “We are incredibly grateful to Plymouth Community Homes for organising this incredible event. On behalf of the Trustees of Luna’s Fund, thank you to all of the teams and players for their time and to the generous local businesses who donated raffle prizes, we’ve never seen a raffle like it!
"The services we offer are priceless for families in need. We will be using the funds raised from the tournament to support grieving parents with two relaxing getaways at a destination of their choice in October.
"We will also be able to fund three private antenatal scans for two sets of anxious parents who are enduring pregnancy after loss, giving them reassurance when they need it the most.
"Thank you so much for supporting our charity and for making a huge difference to those we support.”
Rebecca Hocking, Communications Officer & Charity Steering Group lead at PCH, said: “I would like to thank everyone who contributed to our annual charity football tournament. As ever, the event was a huge success which wouldn’t have been possible without the generous contributions of our staff & steering group members, contractors as well as friends and family. A special shout out to Darryl for supporting the tournament in so many ways, and to Aimee for being so involved and supportive."
Darryl Tapper, Gas Plumbing Supervisor & Charity Steering Group Member, said: “I would like to give a massive thank you to everyone involved in this year’s footballing get together to raise money for our nominated charity Luna’s Fund. There’s so much that goes into the event and without everyone’s help and coming together, we couldn’t make it happen.
“Huge thank you to everyone in the Charity Steering Group for assisting with the day, those who purchased raffle tickets, our contractors, employees and suppliers donating raffle prizes. Thank you also to all the teams who paid to join us on the pitch and to everyone who helped get us raffle prizes especially Wayne Coleman and again those who took their time out to sell the tickets especially Pete Bold.
“Special thanks to Rebecca for helping to arrange the whole day and for everything she has done. Finally, thank you to everyone who gave up their Saturday to come down to Harpers and make for a great day.
“In regard to the football, all was played in the best spirit. There was some really good football on display, and it was a great laugh. It was nice to have something to play for, with the bottom winning the spoon trophy and then 1st, 2nd & 3rd winning trophies and medals.
“Well done to ‘Mix & Mash’ for winning the tournament who were great all day and managed a narrow win over my team who were unbeaten for two years. I'm gutted for my team to come second after coming back in the semis and going ahead in the final, but with couple injuries just wasn't meant to be. Take nothing away from Mix and Mash as they went unbeaten all day and played some nice football. Big rematch next year! Well done to Environmental Services for coming third overall as well after winning their last game for the spot.
“It really has been an amazing annual event for three years now and I am keen to keep it going each year. I look forward to seeing a few colleagues walking funny this week. Thanks again everyone.”
With special thanks to:
- The PCH Charity Steering Group & PCH staff for their support throughout the whole tournament – organising raffle prizes, selling raffle tickets and much more. Thanks goes to Sharon Miller, Jenny James, Charlotte Nelder, Nicky Kingston, Jay Vickers & Pete Bold
- Darryl Tapper for liaising with Harpers Football Centre, compering, organising raffle prizes and so much more
- Friary Mill Bakery for donating a selection of pasties for the day
- EMT for covering the cost of the tournament
- Harpers Football Centre for hosting
- Wayne Coleman for gathering prizes
- Communications and Marketing team for the publicity
- The Luna’s Fund family for their support
Thanks to those who donated raffle prizes:
- Kirsty Stevenson
- Karen Williams
- Bristan – Sophie (Local Rep)
- PHC
- DCW Polymers – Tony Tapper
- TEC Construction
- Peter Bold
- Trent Fireplaces Limited
- Luna’s Fund
- Bradfords
- Howdens (Cattedown)
- Hallwell / Palladium
- Rexel
- Travis Perkins
- Plymouth Theatre Company
- Rob Webb
- Protective Wear Supplies (PWC)
- Western Electrical
- James Noble
- E&R Contractors
- Communications and Marketing team
- Dreamy Tents Devon
- Andy Wide – Blue Gas
- Devon Door & Lock
- Flash Signs
- Tommy Rees Carpets & Flooring
- Fort Stamford
All raffle prize winners will be contacted via the contact details provided.
Updates and information about future fundraising events for our Charity of the Year will be shared on our website and social media.
Thank you for your support.
