FOOTIE MATCH RAISES FUNDS FOR CHARITY 6th August 2008

A CHARITY football match in Burton between Burton Albion and Nottingham Forest raised almost £20,000 for a Nottinghamshire hospice.

The two teams met at Burton's Pirelli Stadium for the game which saw a grand total of £19,532.92 raised towards Risley's Treetops Hospice's Ripple Appeal.

Ripple Appeal Manager Kate Shaw said: "This will make such a difference to our fund-raising.

"It was an amazing evening with great football.

"I would like to acknowledge the incredible generosity shown by both teams in staging this event.

"Ben Robinson and Nigel Clough have been extremely supportive and have put themselves out to make this event a success.

"Mark Arthur and Colin Calderwood at Forest have been similarly supportive and laid on the coach to the game at no cost to the charity.

"It's so good to see these two local football teams supporting their local hospice."

The final score was 3-1 to Nottingham Forest.

Manager of Forest, Colin Calderwood, said: "We're delighted that so many people turned out to watch the game and made it such a successful night for Treetops Hospice Ripple Appeal.

"I'm aware of the excellent work that Treetops Hospice does and I'm delighted we were able to support them."