London Southend Airport and Run Free FC charity football match raises £2,000 for SECE Mind
The annual football face-off between London Southend Airport and Run Free United FC has raised £2,000 for South East and Central Essex Mind, through entry donations and raffle ticket sales.
On Tuesday 13 May, London Southend Airport (LSA) staff and members of local football club-come-mental health group, Run Free United FC came together to raise money for SECE Mind. Thanks to an amazing turnout of spectators and their donations through entry and raffle ticket sales, the event raised £2,000.
After exciting play in both halves, the game came down to a penalty shoot-out where LSA secured their win!
Jo Marchetti, Corporate & Social Responsibility Manager at London Southend Airport said:
“This, now annual, charity match raises much needed funds for our charity partner SECE Mind. The match raised over £2,000 which means, combined with the fundraising efforts of LSA Firefighter Mike Edwards, we have raised a phenomenal £4,600 in the last month for people in our community struggling with mental health issues.
“I’d like to thank Luke Chittock for once again organising the team and leading them onto success after another nail-biting penalty shoot-out. LSA were victorious for the second year running playing against Run Free, a team set up in 2020 by Chris Phillips to help tackle the stigma surrounding mental health.
“Congratulations to Mike Edwards for his London Marathon success, to everyone that played in the charity match and everyone that supported – well done team LSA!”
Jude Winstanley, CEO of London Southend Airport said:
“I was delighted to have the chance to be there to see two talented teams play their hearts out for such an important cause. No one wants to lose on penalties, so delighted that our fabulous team won out in the end. Southend spirit at its best and a decent amount of money raised too.”
Ant and Jack of Run Free United FC getting ready before the match
David Solis, CEO of SECE Mind said:
“This is a great event that does so much to raise awareness for SECE Mind and the work we do in the throughout South East and Central Essex. I want to thank everyone involved – every player, every local business that contributed a prize to the raffle and everyone who helped put this fantastic night together. It was a great event to be part of and we’re so grateful for the generosity of those who came along to join us. We hope to see you all again next year!”
There is still time to support LSA, Run Free United FC and SECE Mind by donating via the Just Giving page.
SECE Mind provides supported housing, counselling and signposting services for people in South East and Central Essex. We also offer mental health training for individuals and corporate wellbeing support packages for businesses.
If you would like to become an SECE Mind Fundraiser, please visit secemind.org.uk/fundraising or email fundraising@secemind.org.uk
South East and Central Essex Mind is a Registered Charity No. 1148451