The weekend began when
an informal and social
game of football was
held between a Carlton
Palmer Invitational XI
and a Rob McCaffrey
Invitational XI. The
game, played in
temperatures approaching
50 degrees centigrade,
was high in enthusiasm
and enjoyed by all.
Ex-England, Leeds United
and Sheffield Wednesday
player, Carlton Palmer,
showed all his
experience and skill to
lead his team to a
convincing 5-2 victory.
However, it was clear
that Rob McCaffrey, the
former Sky TV sports
presenter, was more
suited to ‘talking a
good game’ as opposed to
playing one!
The game was followed by
a reception at the home
of event organiser,
Matthew Richmond, which
also included an auction
and raffle. These,
combined with the funds
raised through the
football match, helped
to kick off the
fundraising and a total
in excess of £900 was
raised on the night.
Many of those that were
present on the Thursday
evening were also
present at the main
event, a formal dinner
held at the British
Embassy the following
night. 80 guests,
dressed in their finest
evening wear, joined Rob
and Carlton for the
dinner and opportunity
to listen to some of
Carlton’s football
stories and anecdotes.
Rob, master of
ceremonies, expertly
quizzed Carlton and
co-ordinated questions
from the guests. He
also ran the auction of
items of sporting
memorabilia, including a
shirt signed by the
current Man United team
which was bought for
£2000.
The event and weekend
was enjoyed by all those
that were present and a
grand total of £11,110
was raised.
This total was split
equally between Helen &
Douglas House and
Cardiac Risk in the
Young (CRY) and donated
in loving memory of
Grace Turner (2003 -
2009) and Shamil Hamid
(1988 – 2010).
Matthew Richmond
