Footie game raised vital funds

Staff from Waitrose in Ealing booted up to raise more than £1100 for a UK eating-disorder charity.

The team joined players from Waitrose in Mill Hill and went head to head in a football match at Wingate and Finchley Football Club.

The event was arranged as part of a Waitrose 'Partners in Sport' initiative on behalf of Anorexia and Bulimia Care (ABC).

The charity provides personal advice and support to patients and their families and friends affected by eating disorders.

The football match was organised by Aaron Carl from Waitrose, Mill Hill. He said:

"Everyone at our Mill Hill store decided to support a colleague whose family member is battling Anorexia. It was great to take this forward knowing I had the support of the store behind me,"

"It is important to raise awareness of the devastating effect eating disorders can have on people's lives.

"ABC offers a lifeline for sufferers and their families and plays a vital role in the path to recovery."

Mill Hill won the match with a 3-1 victory. "I would like to say a big thank you to Aaron and all the staff of Waitrose for organising such a great event," said ABC's Jackie Disbury.

"As a small charity working nationally every donation counts and can make all the difference to the people we help to support."

Mill Hill and West Ealing Waitrose stores, who employ 170 staff collectively, donated £700 to help arrange the event, and provided raffle prizes and refreshments. Each player paid £10 to take part and spectators were asked to pay £5, with raffle tickets sold at £2 per strip.

For further information about ABC visit the charity's website at: www.anorexiabulimiacare.org.uk or call: 03000 111213.

17th July 2012