9th June 2011 – Rob McCaffrey’s XI v Carlton Palmer’s XI
10th June 2011 – Sportsman’s Dinner ‘An Evening with Rob and Carlton’

An enjoyable and successful charity weekend was held in Kuwait over the weekend of the 9th and 10th June 2011.

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