SUPERMARKET teams will go head-to-head on the football pitch this month for a long-running charity match in support of a county hospice.
Now in its 25th year, the Retail Challenge Cup takes place in Evesham next Sunday (July 30) and features teams from the town’s Tesco and Morrisons.
This year’s event is set to be bigger and better than ever, with more matches and Wolverhampton Wanderers’ legend Geoff Palmer presenting the victorious side with the Retail Challenge Cup.
Organiser Mark Payne founded the event in 1998 in memory of his mum, Gill, who was cared for by St Richard’s Hospice.
“I can’t believe it has been 25 years since we first set up the Retail Challenge Cup,” said Mr Payne.
“We are very excited for this year’s milestone event, which includes lots of activities alongside the Cup game.
“And, we are also delighted that Wolves legend Geoff Palmer will be there on the day to present the Cup to the winning team.
“Our aim is to raise as much money as possible for the wonderful St Richard’s Hospice, who cared for my late mother so much back in 1997.”
Match of the Day
The event is at Evesham United Football Club’s Jubilee Stadium in Cheltenham Road, Evesham. Gates open from 1.30pm.
The ladies match, a new fixture for this year’s event, will kick off at 2pm, followed by the legends game. Both matches feature staff members, both former and present, from the town’s Tesco and Morrisons stores.
The Challenge Cup match will kick off between 5pm and 5.30pm. The presentation to the winning captain will take place between 7pm and 7.30pm.
Since its beginnings, the Retail Challenge Cup has raised around £32,000 for St Richard’s to support patients living with serious progressive illnesses, their loved ones and bereaved people across Worcestershire.
Ria Simons, Corporate Fund-raiser at St Richard’s, said: “We are so grateful to Mark and everyone involved in this fantastic community event for supporting us over many years.
“An incredible amount has been raised in that time, helping us continue our care to patients and their loved ones across Worcestershire.
“This year’s event is set to be a great celebration of all they have achieved so far, and we hope everyone has a brilliant day!”
Admission to the event is £3 for adults and £1 for children and is paid for on the gate with cash.
There will be a raffle and silent auction including an England football shirt signed by Real Madrid and England midfielder Jude Bellingham.
