AMBULANCE STAFF SCORE FUNDS FOR CHARITY

 Ambulance staff from around the country battled it out on the football field this weekend in a bid to raise money for charity.

The tournament organised by West Midlands Ambulance Service Paramedic, George Shakeshaft, managed to raise over £2,000 for The Donna Louise Children’s Hospice * in Stoke.

The event which kicked off at Goals Soccer Centre in Stoke in Trent on Saturday saw 14 teams complete in the six a side football tournament. A number of the teams were made up of West Midlands Ambulance Service staff, including staff from the Trust’s patient transport services, front line emergency ambulance staff and support staff. A team from London Ambulance Service was also warmly welcomed to the event.

 

Stoke City FC Mascot Pottermus with Tom Mallam from WMAS’ Patient Transport Service and DJ for the day.  

A family fun day ran alongside the tournament which included refreshments, bouncy castles, face painting, donkey rides and much more.

Talking about the event George said: “A superb day was had by all. The football tournament went extremely well with the winners and runners up being awarded their trophies at a special awards ceremony held that same evening. The evening event was enjoyed by 140 guests, who were entertained by live music from Mathew Street and DJ Aaron Wilkes who kept the party going until midnight.

“I’d personally like to thank everyone involved for all their hard work and generosity, from the stall holders to the entertaining figures of DJ Tom Mallam, Dandelion the Clown, Stoke City FC mascot Pottermus and of course all the football players who took part in the event and those who came along in support.

“I hope to be able to make this an annual event and hopefully see more teams from other ambulance services around the country become involved in any future events.”

Melanie Mills, Director of Fundraising and PR at the Hospice, added: “This was a great event by George and the team at West Midlands Ambulance Service. The valuable funds they have raised will be used towards funding our £2.4 million running costs and will certainly help to brighten up the lives of local children.”