A GROUP of sports fans who started fundraising in memory of a friend a decade ago are hoping to reach £50,000 with their final event of the year.

Neville’s Cross Football Club Charity, hold annual football, cricket and golf matches in memory of friend Neil Aspinall, from Durham, who died of cancer.

Starting in 2007 with a football match, the group, which was set up around the former workingmen’s club in Neville’s Cross, Durham, now holds three events a year.

They are raising money for St Cuthbert’s Hospice, in Durham, which cared for Mr Aspinall.

So far they have raised £45,000 for the hospice, which provides care and support for people with life-limiting illnesses and their families, and are hoping to reach the £50,000 milestone with their final events of 2017.

David Wood, who helps to organise the fundraising matches, said: “We started fundraising for St Cuthbert’s in memory of our friend Neil but over the years we have found that they have helped and supported so many of our friends and families in the community.

“People turn out year after year to support this brilliant charity that we are lucky to have on our doorstep.”

The club recently held their annual charity cricket match at Brandon Cricket Club, which raised £2,500 for the hospice.

The club is now holding a golf day to try and reach the target.

Jade McArdle, senior community and events fundraiser at St Cuthbert’s Hospice, said: “We are full of admiration for Neville’s Cross Football Club and we have no doubt they will reach their target. Each year we are blown away by their continued support.”

“£50,000 is such a huge amount of money and will ensure we are able to continue providing outstanding care for those in County Durham with life-limiting illnesses.”

  • The golf day is being held at Durham City Golf Club on Friday, September 1, between 11am and 3pm.
  • For further details email csturdy234@outlook.com.