A CHARITY Rowathon has raised money for a local football club in thanks for its support.

Staff from Eastbourne Care Home in Darlington took part in a Rowathon event on Friday March 29 in honour of Mickey Weston, who they dubbed a ‘local hero’ for his role in bringing entertainment to care homes across the town during lock down, as well as supplying essential PPE for staff.

“Mickey has done so much to make this difficult time a bit easier for care workers and residents,” said manager Jackie Malton.

“Mickey was sadly made redundant at the start of the lock down in his role as under eights coach for Hurworth FC, but he used all of his free time to help out in the community, and we’re really thankful to him.”

At the start of the pandemic, Mr Weston worked with local businesses to support Eastbourne Care Home during the lock down.

Thanks to Mr Weston Darlington branch of EE donated sandwiches to the home, Taylor’s Butchers in Darlington donated food and singer Deborah Taylor Smith, known as ‘Wor Vera’, from Hebburn performed at the home for 30 minutes, singing 40s classics and taking requests from her audience.

The Rowathon and Tombola raised £300 on the day, but will be matched by a Eastbourne resident’s family member.