Charity football match and family fun day in Melton raises more than Â£880 for the Samaritans

Avin a Laff Utd and Wrightys XI players who played in this year's Bobby Barnard Charity Cup match EMN-160531-091811001

The charity match was followed by a family fun day at The Welby pub which helped raise more than £880 for the Samaritans - a cause close to the hearts of event organiser and Avin a Laff Utd player Lewis Barnard and his family.

The Bobby Barnard Charity Cup was started in memory of Lewis’ brother Luke’s and sister-in-law Sarah’s baby Bobby who was born sleeping on September 29, 2014, at 42 weeks.

Avin a Laff Utd were the cup holders but they faced a battle to keep hold of the trophy from their opponents Wrightys XI who pipped them to last season’s Melton and District Sunday League title on goal difference.

Action from this year's Bobby Barnard Charity Cup match contested between Avin a Laff Utd and Wrightys XI EMN-160531-092119001

Sunday’s match ended 2-2, with Avin a Laff, who fought back from being 2-0 down, holding their nerve to win 5-4 on penalties.

And there was a good turn-out at The Welby afterwards, with a range of activities enjoyed by families.

Lewis said: “We had a fantastic response and it went really well.

“The Welby was packed out and everyone had a great time.

“I’d like to thank everyone who came along, to my mum (Ali Jordan), my family and friends for all their help and to all the local businesses that were kind enough to donate prizes for the raffle.”

You can still donate at https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/Lewis-Barnard1?utm_id=26

For more about the Samaritans and the help they give people visit http://www.samaritans.org/