An all-star charity XI, made up of former professionals, television celebrities and leading lights from the air conditioning industry, has achieved a new record in football by playing five matches in five nations in less than 48 hours and raising £20,000 for charity.
An all-star charity XI, made up of former professionals, television celebrities and leading lights from the air conditioning industry, has achieved a new record in football by playing five matches in five nations in less than 48 hours and raising £20,000 for charity.
Toshiba Air Conditioning’s general manager David Dunn teamed up with Cool Designs and fellow distributors Dysk, GT Phelan and AMP to organise and sponsor the challenge, which took place earlier this month.
The tour kicked off in Scotland, before playing back-to-back matches in Northern Ireland, the Republic of Ireland, Wales and, finally, England. Pudsey the Bear joined them in support of the gruelling series of matches.
The team completed the five games in 45 hours, 52 minutes and 16 seconds, confirmed by the Football Association as a first. Ceo of Cheshire FA, Simon Gerrard, congratulated the players and presented certificates to mark the achievement.
Following the final match at Cosey Club, Haslington, he presented a crystal trophy to David Dunn and Barry Donegan, who organised the challenge.
David Dunn said: 'It was a fantastic weekend, and as hard and challenging as anything I have ever done. But well worth all the effort everyone put in. The event raised around £20,000 for Children in Need, and donations are still coming in.”
During the tour, around 6,000 people came to support the matches and see Pudsey bear playing in goal and saving penalties at half time.
Liverpool legend Alan Kennedy was among the former professionals on the team and said it was a truly worthwhile tour which he had enjoyed tremendously.
The organisers have applied to have the achievement ratified as an official world record.